Faf du Plessis would not have been playing in this Test were it not for JP Duminy hurting his Achilles tendon at the Gabba. And just as Duminy did on debut in Perth four years ago, du Plessis has grabbed his first chance at Test cricket to provide a remarkable result for the South Africans. At the WACA it was a near-record chase of 414 for victory; this time South Africa's challenge was to bat for four and a half sessions on a wearing Adelaide Oval pitch to salvage a draw.

Thanks to du Plessis, they did so. Thanks to du Plessis, the scoreline remains at 0-0 heading into the decider in Perth, despite Australia having had the best of the first two Tests. And thanks to du Plessis, Australia's bowlers will have only four days to recover from some serious exhaustion, especially Peter Siddle, who sent down 63.5 overs for the match and was so debilitated by the time he bowled the final over of the match that he could barely stand up.

Of course, it wasn't all down to du Plessis. Early in the day, AB de Villiers played against type to score 33 from 220 balls without a boundary. Jacques Kallis again fought off his hamstring strain to provide important support in a 110-ball innings of 46. And Dale Steyn, Rory Kleinveldt and Morne Morkel did just enough to ensure that the No.11, Imran Tahir, would not be required. For South Africa, who will lose the No.1 Test ranking if Australia take the series, it was a draw that felt like a win.

For Michael Clarke and his men, it was an opportunity missed. There wasn't a lot more the Australians could have done, especially with James Pattinson's injury leaving them a bowler short throughout the fourth innings. But there were some half-chances that they were unable to take, the kind of tiny openings that on a day like this must not be wasted. An Australian victory was still possible until the final over of the last hour of the match.

By that stage, Siddle looked as if he'd just run a marathon. Somehow, he kept running in and his pace barely dropped, but Morkel was good enough to block out the over, which left South Africa on 8 for 248 when stumps was called. The score was irrelevant to the South Africans, who had given up on the chase of 430 on the fourth afternoon. Wickets were all that mattered. And a couple of breakthroughs in the final 40 minutes kept the contest alive.

Steyn fell for a 28-ball duck when he chipped an inswinging full toss from Siddle to midwicket, where Rob Quiney snapped up a sharp catch. And Kleinveldt survived for 17 deliveries before he missed a yorker and was bowled by Siddle for 3. In the end, Siddle finished with 4 for 65 from 33 overes, but his herculean effort was more than matched by du Plessis, who ended up unbeaten on 110 from 376 balls. For any batsman, it would have been a magnificent innings; for a debutant, it was preposterously good.

Most notable was the fact that du Plessis did not become overawed by the situation. He spent an eternity in the nineties but was not flustered, the team goal of survival overshadowing his own ambitions. When he eventually pushed two runs through cover off Ben Hilfenhaus and became the fourth South African to score a century on Test debut, after Andrew Hudson, Jacques Rudolph and Alviro Petersen, he acknowledged the applause and then settled straight back down to continue his job.

The milestone took him 310 deliveries, but he was far from stagnant. He played his shots when the opportunity arose and finished with 14 boundaries. He was as calm as Duminy had been back in 2008; in fact, his effort was much more impressive because the conditions were tougher and nobody else in the line-up managed so much as a half-century. The Australians thought they had du Plessis twice in the first session, only to be denied on review.

Both came off the bowling of Clarke, who drew positive lbw calls from Billy Bowden when du Plessis had 33 and again on 37. The first time, the batsman's review showed the ball had pitched a fraction outside leg stump; the second time it revealed that the two noises Bowden had heard were bat on ball and bat on ground - the ball had not even struck du Plessis on the foot or pad.

The Australians also used up their final review shortly before lunch when du Plessis, on 49, offered no shot to a Nathan Lyon delivery that pitched and struck him outside the line of off stump but was turning enough to interest Clarke. However, Eagle Eye suggested the ball would have bounced over the top of the stumps, and Clarke was left to consider how he would find six wickets in two sessions with no further reviews available.

In the last over before tea, they had a chance when du Plessis edged Hilfenhaus and Matthew Wade, standing up to the stumps, couldn't grasp the catch. Ed Cowan also put down a tough chance at short leg in the final session when Steyn clipped Siddle off his pads and the ball flew low to the ground, and they were the kind of opportunities the Australians couldn't afford to miss.

Cowan did complete a much easier catch in close when Lyon, who bowled 50 overs in the innings and 94 for the match, drew an inside edge onto pad from Kallis that popped up to short leg. Kallis had made 46 and given his injury, his effort was just as critical as that of du Plessis. De Villiers also played a key role until he was bowled by Siddle for a laborious 33 from 220 deliveries, an innings that did not include a boundary and was second only to Chris Tavare's effort at Madras in 1982 in terms of the lowest strike-rate for an innings of at least 30 runs in Test history.

De Villiers was happy defending and that was all South Africa really needed. They also required someone to stick around for the whole day, and du Plessis obliged. For the first time since 1921, Australia and South Africa had played out two consecutive draws. And for the second time this series, Australia saw a potential victory evade them. It all comes down to Perth.

Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here

I feel sorry for Faf ... imagine playing the innings of a lifetime in your debut Test ... then how the heck is he going to be able top this innings for the remainder of his career??? ... but then again ... this is cricket we're talking about ... you just never know ...

zarasochozarasamjho
on November 27, 2012, 17:30 GMT

Just look at how south africans bat - 33 in 220 balls, 0 in 28 balls, a lifetime in the 90's when you are also hoping to score your first test century - Pakistanis are not clever enough to understand that the objective hewre is not to score runs but to stay on the crease. Hats off to the south africans, this is more a win than a draw - in spite of the amazing australians.

Sinhaya
on November 27, 2012, 15:55 GMT

@dsig3, Sri Lankan pitches are not flat. Did you watch the T20 world cup where the R Premadasa in Colombo spun big time? Have you seen Galle which spins a lot? How did we produce the highest wicket taker in test matches if we are a land of flat beds? Please research properly buddy. How did both tests we hosted against England this year have a 1-1 result if pitches are flat?

Sinhaya
on November 27, 2012, 15:51 GMT

Great fight by the Boks and simply a perfect example of resistance to save a test match. Hope West Indies as a re emerging side can learn from this and return to their days of glory. Also hope Pakistan, which depends too much on bowling also learns from this and produces match saving performances. Pakistan hardly draws a test match as they lack the batsmen who can last many sessions. Hope in the future Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Usman Salahuddin, Babar Azam etc can be the great walls of Pakistan. Also hope future Sri Lankan batting stars like Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thirimanne and even Angelo Mathews learns plenty from this display.

on November 27, 2012, 11:12 GMT

Faf du Plessis became the fourth South African to score a century on Test debut

javed.agrawala
on November 27, 2012, 9:57 GMT

If India had its way everywhere du Plessis would have been out (ex DRS) and Australia very likely a comfortable winner. Its another thing that even if Bowden had called correct the first time, he would have been gone later and again (ex DRS) and what a pity that would have been.

India can claim, with some justification, that other errors even out the incorrect decisions, but evenness can be better achieved when there are fewer incorrect decisions besides leaving a sweeter taste in the mouth! Stop defending a worse system( in terms of umpiring decisions), India! Don't protect your batsmen (benefit of doubt going to the batsman)! Your nation will be a better cricketing nation without this misplaced help!

harshthakor
on November 27, 2012, 9:38 GMT

The Proteas showed phenomenal tenacity and Du Pleseis's knock was like a captain saving a ship certain of sinking.South Africa looked dead and buried at 45-5 before this amazing rearguard action.Yesterday they reminded you of a batallion averting certain defeat.

on November 27, 2012, 9:09 GMT

great work from duf and kallis, devilliers. This is why, i watch this match than india's match

pat_one_back
on November 27, 2012, 8:54 GMT

Interesting looking at the odds for 3rd test, Aust have spun the odds since Brisbane and Aust going in as firm favourites. Draws at long odds, surprising given the last too tests, hopefully they know the deck will have some spice!

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 27, 2012, 8:49 GMT

@Shaggy076, crh8971 and dinosaurus, many thanks for your response.

So based on your views, Johnson should do well there, eventhough his current average is OK, he does very welll there due to the wind/breeze and bouncing conditions. This tells me he will definetly play. You also mention it can be good have an offspinner, R Petersen should therefore play instead of Tahir if SA go spin option. My concern is that Aus will attack R Peterson because he is not a high quality spinner. I think it will be the most seam friendly pitch we will see so far in this series, the fast bowlers should do well.

Interesting reports in the news today with Clarke having a go at the WACA groundsman telling him to make the pitch 'fairer' and more batting friendly as there have been some lowish scores there.

TeamSelector
on November 27, 2012, 20:28 GMT

I feel sorry for Faf ... imagine playing the innings of a lifetime in your debut Test ... then how the heck is he going to be able top this innings for the remainder of his career??? ... but then again ... this is cricket we're talking about ... you just never know ...

zarasochozarasamjho
on November 27, 2012, 17:30 GMT

Just look at how south africans bat - 33 in 220 balls, 0 in 28 balls, a lifetime in the 90's when you are also hoping to score your first test century - Pakistanis are not clever enough to understand that the objective hewre is not to score runs but to stay on the crease. Hats off to the south africans, this is more a win than a draw - in spite of the amazing australians.

Sinhaya
on November 27, 2012, 15:55 GMT

@dsig3, Sri Lankan pitches are not flat. Did you watch the T20 world cup where the R Premadasa in Colombo spun big time? Have you seen Galle which spins a lot? How did we produce the highest wicket taker in test matches if we are a land of flat beds? Please research properly buddy. How did both tests we hosted against England this year have a 1-1 result if pitches are flat?

Sinhaya
on November 27, 2012, 15:51 GMT

Great fight by the Boks and simply a perfect example of resistance to save a test match. Hope West Indies as a re emerging side can learn from this and return to their days of glory. Also hope Pakistan, which depends too much on bowling also learns from this and produces match saving performances. Pakistan hardly draws a test match as they lack the batsmen who can last many sessions. Hope in the future Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Usman Salahuddin, Babar Azam etc can be the great walls of Pakistan. Also hope future Sri Lankan batting stars like Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thirimanne and even Angelo Mathews learns plenty from this display.

on November 27, 2012, 11:12 GMT

Faf du Plessis became the fourth South African to score a century on Test debut

javed.agrawala
on November 27, 2012, 9:57 GMT

If India had its way everywhere du Plessis would have been out (ex DRS) and Australia very likely a comfortable winner. Its another thing that even if Bowden had called correct the first time, he would have been gone later and again (ex DRS) and what a pity that would have been.

India can claim, with some justification, that other errors even out the incorrect decisions, but evenness can be better achieved when there are fewer incorrect decisions besides leaving a sweeter taste in the mouth! Stop defending a worse system( in terms of umpiring decisions), India! Don't protect your batsmen (benefit of doubt going to the batsman)! Your nation will be a better cricketing nation without this misplaced help!

harshthakor
on November 27, 2012, 9:38 GMT

The Proteas showed phenomenal tenacity and Du Pleseis's knock was like a captain saving a ship certain of sinking.South Africa looked dead and buried at 45-5 before this amazing rearguard action.Yesterday they reminded you of a batallion averting certain defeat.

on November 27, 2012, 9:09 GMT

great work from duf and kallis, devilliers. This is why, i watch this match than india's match

pat_one_back
on November 27, 2012, 8:54 GMT

Interesting looking at the odds for 3rd test, Aust have spun the odds since Brisbane and Aust going in as firm favourites. Draws at long odds, surprising given the last too tests, hopefully they know the deck will have some spice!

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 27, 2012, 8:49 GMT

@Shaggy076, crh8971 and dinosaurus, many thanks for your response.

So based on your views, Johnson should do well there, eventhough his current average is OK, he does very welll there due to the wind/breeze and bouncing conditions. This tells me he will definetly play. You also mention it can be good have an offspinner, R Petersen should therefore play instead of Tahir if SA go spin option. My concern is that Aus will attack R Peterson because he is not a high quality spinner. I think it will be the most seam friendly pitch we will see so far in this series, the fast bowlers should do well.

Interesting reports in the news today with Clarke having a go at the WACA groundsman telling him to make the pitch 'fairer' and more batting friendly as there have been some lowish scores there.

Shaggy076
on November 27, 2012, 8:09 GMT

For those questioning Clarkes declaration do you believe the Australian bowlers could have handled a higher work load than 148 overs in 37 degree temperature with only 3 bowlers. I think 3 an over is a fair declaration and you always want to be bowling late on day 5 as you suspect the pitch will really crumble how ever on this occasion it didnt.
Baldo1 - Siddle had bowled over 60 overs in a test match that was over 35 degrees. I cant think of a bowler in history that has done a higher workload. He didnt play up the cameras he was just buggered that's what bowling for 1.5 days with 3 bowlers does to you. Siddle and Hilfenhaus have both improved since the last Ashes series as to how much lets wait and see. Lyon has a similar average to Swann (and a better one than Swann in Australia and still improving.

Shaggy076
on November 27, 2012, 7:55 GMT

I'm not sure why we get gloating comments from English supporters - is it because you are paranoid about the upcoming series (why else would you comment). Yes you have just beaten India but Australia has recently observed how soft a team that they are. In 5 tests against South Africa in the last 12 months it is 1-1, with Australia narrowly missing out on victory in a couple of games (how did the English go against South Africa in England?). As for the Lyon debate maybe everyone should look at all spinners records in tests in Australia (except for Warne), Lyon would probably be the second best performed in recent history. He is still young has the same average as Swann yet he seems to be always improving. We dont have any other quality spinners in this country and believe he should be persevered with.

on November 27, 2012, 7:37 GMT

Spectacular batting and temprament display by Plesssis...something Indian batsmen should learn.

maddy20
on November 27, 2012, 6:52 GMT

Well at 45-4 I thought that the match was all but over. But boy what a knock that was! I have seen Faf play T20 but never though he could do this well in the longer format of the game. One of the best test match innings I have seen in a long time. Simply put it was a Dravid-like innings. Fantastic stuff!

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 27, 2012, 6:21 GMT

Check out these headlines from Aussie newspapers after day 4 - LOL

"Australia will return to the top of the world today once it completes a crushing victory over damaged and demoralised Test champion South Africa in Adelaide.

"Hometown hero Nathan Lyon is poised to bowl Australia to a defining victory against South Africa on the final day of the second Test today.

VivtheGreatest
on November 27, 2012, 6:01 GMT

Great knock by DuPlessis to save the match, a big contrast to what happened to India in our own backyard, but can't agree that it's equal to Atherton's epic in SA many years ago coz that was a far superior attack to the present Aussie attack. The Oz supporters badly need a reality check if they think their bowlers can bowl SA out twice whatever the state of the wicket. Totally agree with Front-Foot- Lunge, they have a frontline spinner who can't spin the ball!! LOL!!

dinosaurus
on November 27, 2012, 5:59 GMT

Non-cricket people make jokes about how a match that lasts five days can be a draw. What a bore, they think. In fact, the kind of draw we saw yesterday is often the most exciting match. Only after Morne Morkel survived the fifth ball of the final over was a draw certain. Typically for cricket, it wasn't even certain then. If they had attempted a run off a no-ball for the scheduled final ball, and then Faf were to send Morne back, resulting in Morne being run out, the final ball would have been bowled to Imran Tahir!! Not going to happen, of course, but cricket is a funny game where weird things do happen.

heathrf1974
on November 27, 2012, 5:43 GMT

@Front-foot-lunge Swann averaged just under 40 on a very successful Ashes tour to Australia. Only some spinners can have successful Australian tours. Although Lyon need to toss the ball up more and take some pace off it to get more drift.

on November 27, 2012, 5:29 GMT

Great exhibition of Test Match Cricket. So much patience, so much perseverance, so much dedication. HATS OFF to the SA team particularly Faf, AB, Steyn and the other tailenders who stuck to the ground and did not choke. I was following the Match on Cricinfo and it indeed was a thriller. Thanks to AUS and SA for a cracker of a Match and all the best to both teams going in to Perth

Nerk
on November 27, 2012, 4:06 GMT

Great spectacle. What is with Adelaide and producing brilliant test matches?

dinosaurus
on November 27, 2012, 3:51 GMT

@TommytuckerSaffa,

Historically, spinners have often been used at the WACA. One of the main reasons is the famous "Fremantle Doctor", the strong sea breeze. It is strong enough that Aus (and WA) have often picked an "into the breeze" bowler. The most successful spinners at the WACA have been right-hand offspinners. For this reason I expect the final choice to be between Lyon and Johnson, both of whom I expect can play a useful role. Then again, Hastings might inherit the "into the wind" role if Lyon is omitted. And, before FFL and red-n-white army charge up their satirical pens to comment on Johnson, it would not shock me if he plays (and plays a blinder either).

on November 27, 2012, 3:45 GMT

Never seen a debutant doing this kind of great work for his team. Remember he was the one taking Pakistan into the semis of the WT20.

MagpieForever
on November 27, 2012, 3:03 GMT

One for the real cricket lovers. Efforts of du plessis, siddle, Aust remarkable score on first day etc. Real fans saw the whole thing as so special. Not sure if I'm alone but as an Aussie supporter not winning wasnt all that important given the efforts by both teams. Have read abt the West Indies Test in Adelaide in 61 and other great draws. Maybe fans would like to see Clarkey show just a bit more appreciation of what a great match it was. He might after the last test.

on November 27, 2012, 2:46 GMT

from an INDIAN,to all the protea fans out there, there is no need to celebrate. unfortunately we were unable to beat RSA at adelaide,but surely we will get them at perth.
i also south africa is not fit for that no.1 position . there is only one team that played to win from day one of first test. all the time RSA had been defensive. they were like
"let us escape this match with a draw and draw the whole series and still we stay in no.1 position". they are more concerned about no.1 than about playing good positive cricket. one thing is for sure . RSA dont deserve that position and will surely be dethroned at perth. just like what england did to india. if there is any team that can hold that position for a long time it has to be AUSTRALIA

Jedi029
on November 27, 2012, 2:13 GMT

What a game, unlucky Australia and well batted Faf. England fans no doubt will be building a statue of him right now for denying the Aussies victory. Losing Pattinson during the game I always had the feeling that the 4th innings was going to be a nail biter. Don't think the Adelaide pitch has as many demons in the pitch as expected on day 5 but it was still a great game. Bring on the Perth test match

Richard_Saffa
on November 27, 2012, 1:17 GMT

Well played both teams. Aussies had the perfect chance and Proteas had the perfect spoiler in Faf.. Deserved the MoM. SA played the 1st test with a man down and the second with an injured Kallis.. Waiting for the third test. Hope Saf with Faf come out on top.. Good luck..

crh8971
on November 27, 2012, 0:44 GMT

@TommyTuckerSaffer - The Perth pitch is an interesting one. It has the reputation of being the fastest pitch in world cricket. Most of that reputation comes from the 70's to 90's. During this time we would often play the Windies in the first test of the summer and with their 4 man pace attack they would absolutely belt us and we would never recover. Jeff Thomson claimed to have nearly bowled a 6 byes at the WACCA! They replaced the pitch in the late 90's and it definitely slowed down considerably and started to produce more scores. The pitch will be hard, the bounce will be true and it will be fast. Should suit Morkel. Spinners have had success but also been smashed. With the breeze that kicks in in the afternoon it can be a fantastic place for left arm quicks to generate late in swing to the right handers. Mitchell Johnson's record there is phenomenal. Over 80% of matches generate a result.

Nadindra
on November 27, 2012, 0:07 GMT

This is the best ever test match I have watched in my time. Salute to SA du Plessis . I am an Australian but we should learned real cricket by watching this debutant. Test is test not T20, or ODI . Test match will test your ability to resits, fitness, selection of balls to play stroke and importantly cool mind to face 11 oppositions for a long time. Well done boy.

kitten
on November 26, 2012, 23:58 GMT

Some people compare Kallis to Tendulkar, but no way. Kallis is a better batsman, a better bowler, and also a better bowler!! He is a great allrounder, and SA is very lucky to have him at the moment. Hope he is well for the next test. On the other hand, Tendulkar is a big liability for India as is being proved against England in the current tests. He was a great batsman, but that was some time ago. I agree this is not the forum for Tendulkar to be mentioned, but I just felt the parrellels between the two should be spelt out, to show how good Kallis really is.
Well done, Du Plessis, and a brilliant test match between the two teams. MC also played fantastically well, and he is certainly in a purple patch at the moment. Looking forward eagerly to the next test.

Meety
on November 26, 2012, 23:44 GMT

Bit dissappointed by some of the huffing & puffing of some Saffa fans. In the end of the day it was a draw. A draw where only ONE side was ever going to win, DESPITE being a specialist bowler down. There were a lot of comments at the end of Day 1, about losing Kallis ( a part timer albeit good), & Steyn (for an hour) affected Sth Africa - Oz didn't have Patto for about 200 overs! At the Gabba losing JP Duminy was mentioned as a reason why Sth Africa couldn't take wickets, but AGAIN he is at best an occasional spinner. Patto is a strike bowler & has been the 2nd most dangerous bowler in this series behind Morkel. Sth Africa should be proud of what they achieved, but IMO Oz was more hampered by the loss of a specialist bowler than the injuries Sth Africa had to primarily batsmen! So in summary, IMO both sides had massive hurdles to face, Oz played the better cricket, but Sth Africa showed why they are #1 - they are hard to beat!

on November 26, 2012, 23:41 GMT

SA were saved by the day lost to rain in the first test and they were damn lucky to hang on with a draw this test. The rub of the green can't keep going, surely. Their luck will hopefully run out in the 3rd test and the better team will finally win one of these games.

Meety
on November 26, 2012, 23:34 GMT

It's an interesting series on so many levels. On the one hand, consecutive draws suggests, some bland cricket. The reality is though it has been very absorbing with both sides being able to take positives out of each match. The Saffas had easily the most injuries, but Patto's injury (IMO), was the most influential of the series, as I think it's tougher to win a match when you are down a specialist. Theoretically Oz could put their strongest team on the paddock at the WACA with Watto. I have some reservations about this, as I doubt he is anywhere near MATCH fit, having only played ONE innings in about 5 weeks. I think not having Watto's bowling at Adelaide was critical (btw) as his type of bowling on Day 4 & 5 was the type that does well. Sth Africa will take a lot of confidence out of drawing, however, I would imagine Kallis is a non starter, there must be ?-marks over Phillander's fitness, doubtful Tahir, so Petersen? Rudolph v Elgar? Lot of questions there!

L4zybugg3r
on November 26, 2012, 23:32 GMT

@popcorn - I would've agreed that Aus had the advantage after the first game but now it just seems like they can't finish SA off. I still think SA is a good shot at the WACA if they get 11 fit players on the park. Even after Aus put the foot to the pedal in the first innings they still couldn't force a result, please stop making flat pitches!

on November 26, 2012, 23:29 GMT

If Johnson plays in Perth Australia have lost the series

brittop
on November 26, 2012, 22:53 GMT

This disproves the modern thinking that you cannot solely defend when you're only looking to draw a game.

on November 26, 2012, 22:31 GMT

Du Plessis...congrats!! You have achieved what Sachin Tendulkar has not been able to achieve after playing 180 odd test matches. Fantastic!! You made test cricket proud.

on November 26, 2012, 22:23 GMT

Amazing stuff, this Test cricket! What a match. I'm sure the Aussie supporters must be really peeved not to have won this, but as a Saffer, great to see true grit by the guys. Awesome Faf, good effort (again ) Kalli. For the rest, time to pull finger in Perth. Rock on!

JG2704
on November 26, 2012, 22:18 GMT

@Meety/Chris_P - Thanks for your well wishes re Eng on yesterday's thread. Luckily all was done and dusted before I got out of bed this morning. I knew if I got up esp early I'd be in for a long morning (Sod's law) so it was a good way to start the day

Re Australia - as the above 2 guys will know re England I'm a big fan of a 5/1/5 formation and I'm wondering (if Watson is still injured) whether they could go with 5 bowlers? One of my issues is when a pacer in a 4 man attack gets injured it 1stly leaves you with less bowling options and secondly it puts more workload/strain on the remaining bowlers. While Siddle's efforts were warriorlike

JG2704
on November 26, 2012, 22:17 GMT

Great test match. Commiserations to Australia and congrats SA. I say commiserations/congrats even though this is a draw as it will possibly feel like a victory for one side and a defeat for the other. Absolutely awesome from Faf who I had down as a ODI/T20 specialist filling in for JP. And Siddle's effort was absolutely heroic. Well it was a draw but only the worst of trolls can call it a boring test/finish. Congrats both teams - cricket at it's finest

RandyOZ
on November 26, 2012, 22:15 GMT

Great contest between the two best test nations on Earth. Australia got extremely unlucky losing their best bowler though. Bye bye Quiney.

SCC08
on November 26, 2012, 22:10 GMT

@Marcio- as an SA fan I agree with your comment that Aus have played the better cricket so far this series. But you forget 1 important factor, its still 0-0 and when Steyn an co fire next test, you will lose the series. You will lose it because you failed to beat SA when you had the chance. Don't blame SA for their poor play or boast about Aus playing better cricket until Aus have won somthing. Youonly recently jumped above the Mighty Ireland in a certain ICC ranking.. Ausi Ausi Ausi lol

Shaggy076
on November 26, 2012, 22:03 GMT

Razmi - The Australian bowleres bowled 148 overs with a 3 man attack. This should have been plenty of time and physically they were incapable to bowl anymore. THis was a massive work load in 37 degree heat. TommyTuckerSaffa - Perth is Australias bounciest pitch will suit Morkel, Steyn, Siddle, Starc. As for needing a spinner I think if Kallis, Watson can bowl there is no need for five pacemen and then spin is an important change up. If neither are fit to bowl then that changes the equation. Perth has a strange breeze where one end is always in to the wind. I think its important for Australia to play Hilfenhaus if he is fit to be the in to the wind workhorse.

ayub.ans
on November 26, 2012, 21:39 GMT

Great advert for test cricket, on the lighter side the SA batting in the 2nd innings made Misbah Ul Haq look like a pinch hitter :)))

Sanj747
on November 26, 2012, 21:37 GMT

Great stuff from Faf Du Plessis and SAF. Well done. Have to give Siddle and the aussies bowlers a pat on the back as well.

Sami_P
on November 26, 2012, 21:31 GMT

Hat's off to both teams, this was the ultimate just like "The Thriller in Manila" Ali & Frazier fight.

pat_one_back
on November 26, 2012, 21:20 GMT

Looking back, the Aussies biggest mistake was giving SA too much credit & batting them out of the game. Had they taken the bait of a more chaseable total, shots would have needed to be played. The pitch played marvellously for Adelaide day 5, even bounce and consistent turn, Aust were down a strike bowler, those trying to twist the knife into Aust are really clutching at straws to keep Aust down (in their small minds at least).

BG4cricket
on November 26, 2012, 21:08 GMT

A great Test match !! I was very wrong about Faf before the match and he showed great temperament, application and technique to save the match for SA. Perth will be an interesting challenge for both sides and particularly for Australia who will have to manufacture a win. Perth is a tricky place to bowl as the pitch is quick and has bounce and carry although less so than the past as well as the breeze which will see swing. Length is key as I think Morne might bowl a touch short and I think Steyn and Philander could be the key for SA. I think Australia's bowlers might struggle a touch through fatigue and the loss of Patto but Watto's inclusion will help a lot. Lyon will probably play and Starc in for Patto - the others are insurance in case Sids or Hilfy don't come up.

dalboy12
on November 26, 2012, 21:04 GMT

Team line-ups going to be interesting --- Even without Pattison, I think an Aussie team with Starc and Watson in it is more powerful than the one that just played. Johnson is always a worry as 1 in 5 tests he is unplayable - the other 4 he is average, but you always worry that you will get the unplayable one. Aussie will probably just bring Starc in for Pattinson and Watson for Quincy, which I think makes a strong team.
SA are really missing Duminy. I would play Elgar for Ruporth who looks terrible, and Tahir can't possibly play again. So the question is whether Klien or Peterson takes Tahirs place as Philander will come back in. And of course whether Kallis plays. AB will have to keep this test hopefully for the last time. In the end if SA are to win they need their bowling attack to really perform, they have got better but Steyn has still been disappointing. AB and Amla are going to need to score big if Kallis doesn't play.

Baldo1
on November 26, 2012, 20:23 GMT

So England winning in India, and Australia still relying on the perennial Ashes losers of Hilfenhaus and Siddle to provide their potency - seeing Siddle trying to be the Australian hero at the end of the 2nd test was the funniest moment in cricket this year. He played up to the cameras beautifully. And then failed dismally. And add to those two jokers a club spinner in the form of Nathan Lyon and you have an absolute triumph of an attack. And I hear Mitchell is coming back for Perth too - and we all know he bowls substantially both to the left and even further to the right. The only bowler in history who only plays well in only one venue. And let's see how many runs Michael Clarke gets in England when the ball actually moves sideways. Let's see how his planted front foot and hard hands get on again. He's your new Matthew Hayden - a very modern flat-track bully. Ponting to lose 4 Ashes series before retiring. Perfect.

on November 26, 2012, 19:56 GMT

@Razmi

"Why do you need to set a target of 430, when a target of about 375 would have been sufficient."

So on one side we have people who got stuck into Clarke for declaring too early -
and on the other we have people like you getting stuck into him for declaring too late.

As is seems even, it suggests his call was perfect.

Stark62
on November 26, 2012, 19:46 GMT

I think everyone is forgetting DeVelliers's crucial knock of 33 off 220 balls with a strike rate of 15.00!!

muthuthewaves
on November 26, 2012, 19:43 GMT

faf is the real hero and one should not forget the lion hearted effort from peter siddle who gave more than 100 percent for the win. Great test match great entertainment. Wishing faf to have a great test career.

Beertjie
on November 26, 2012, 19:37 GMT

It would be churlish not to salute Faf and the other great scrappers, but no one mentions the 3 man Oz attack. Patto bowled only 9 overs and unlike Kallis is a spearhead. My point is that with a 5 man attack at Perth Oz should be OK provided no one breaks down. @PFEL on (November 26 2012, 07:22 AM GMT) you are correct in wanting fresh legs. What a pity Harris is still out. Starc will play,but if it were up to me I wouldn't have had Johnson and Hazlewood. Hastings could play the Hilfie role of bowling into the Freemantle doctor, so Siddle's experience would still be needed. However, what if he were not able to last 5 days? Anyway, with Watto there one could leave it up to Sids to decide if his body could take it. Hoping for a cracker.

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 26, 2012, 19:32 GMT

Outstanding knock FAFF. Lets not forget he had 5 chiping / sledging Ozzies around the bat for 2 days ! You could hear them on the stump mic, Wade never shuts up -he should probably concentrate more and talk less so he can concentrate on catching edges. Immense powers of concentration FaFF, heroic innings - still cant believe it. Highlights going on DvD.

AltafPatel
on November 26, 2012, 19:03 GMT

@ Razmi Zahir
They didn't set target of 375 for SA because they know what happened 4 years back on the same ground against same opponent when they set target of 414 after taking lead of 99 in first innings. SA won by 6 wickets.

chris54
on November 26, 2012, 18:57 GMT

The pivotal moment was the Kallis injury. The way he was bowling he would have made life difficult for Clarke and Warner. I stayed up watching this until 7 in the morning.Would never do this for one day cricket. Not even for a world cup final.@DamieninFrance: I watch on crictime. If you put on full screen mode, there is no problem with adverts.

krishna_cricketfan
on November 26, 2012, 18:56 GMT

Kallis - What are you made of? SA was unfortunate not to have him bowl. But the 2 stellar innings from him shows why he will stand among the best batsmen and also all rounders. Australia is on the rise in all departments and they produced great cricket in both the tests. We are in for a competitive match in Perth. I must say the 2 best sides are playing and producing fantastic performance and improve the standing of test matches. I favor Australia to win in Perth.

KiwiPom
on November 26, 2012, 18:49 GMT

One of those games where you knew that one of two huge heroic figures would end up massively disappointed at the end of it. That's sport. I hope that Peter Siddle can recover from this both physically and mentally to be able to play in Perth. And let's not forget Jaques Kallis either. SA would have been history without his contribution. Agh no. There were three huge heroic figures out there. Maybe we got the right result after all.

on November 26, 2012, 18:44 GMT

Simply brilliant. What a pitbull Faf is - supported by some mongrels! The Aussies can hold their heads high - they had us against the ropes from day one. One of the greatest escapes ever. The third test should be an epic.

on November 26, 2012, 18:43 GMT

I really felt sad for Michael Clarke watching him, nearly in tears during his post match speech. Good experience for him, because things do not always go great like getting tons, double tons and mowing down all opposition before you. The drawn game was indeed tantamount to a loss for Australia and victory for The Proteas. In saying that, OZ remain a great team!

SA vs AUS
rest assured you would always have top quality cricket when these two teams are playing.
Faf du Plessis' innings is certainly one of the best in recent times in order to save a test match.
certainly the stuff champions are made of.
and saying that the DRS should be made compulsory in all forms of the game no matter if it delays the game or not.
it always gives the teams something to fall back on in case an incorrect decision has been made.
Review systems are also used in tennis and is quite successfull.
remember if technology makes mistakes then its fine , its ok to blame technology rather than a human umpire for wrong decisions :)

on November 26, 2012, 17:35 GMT

If You Take All the IPL's Together, It Can't Give a Thrilling Cricket Like Today's Australia vs South Africa Test!!
Stunning Faf Debut..
Never Give Up Siddle..
Screaming Channel 9 Com Box :D
Love Test Cricket!!!

on November 26, 2012, 17:17 GMT

Part 2-
3- Steyn has been in effective in the series. As the best bowler is world cricket he is suppose to run through sides. Is he out of form & struggling in Australia?
4- AB de Villiers should not be wasted as a wicket keeper. WK is taking too much toll on his batting skills, SA needs his batting skills more than anything else.
5- What about Ponting? I guess tendulkar & ponting should retire from international cricket, it's a real pain to see them struggle.

Any views from SA/Aussie cricket fans?

on November 26, 2012, 17:13 GMT

What a game of cricket.. this is what "test" cricket is all about..it tests the ultimate skills of the players from both the side..After a dominating batting display by Aussies in the 1st innings,SA came back really nicely to secure a draw in the match..Take a bow Kallis, you are one of the greatest cricketer we have seen in our times. SA is going to miss you big time in the 3rd test.We played to Australia too, even without losing their strike bowler Pattinson, they kept the pressure on South Africans. A drawn test match can't get more interesting than this one. Few Observations from a neutral(indian) cricket fan -
1- Why are Australian wickets producing so many runs? Is the batting too good from both sides? Is the bowling poor? or the pitches are being made batting friendly to help/neutralize a particular side?
2- Imran tahir as a spinner is a waste in playing XI. He leaks too many runs. SA should consider a replacement for him. He has not justified his selection so far.
to be contd.

StaalBurgher
on November 26, 2012, 17:11 GMT

Yeah I also think Rudolph has had his chance now. The only thing that might save him is if Kallis can't bat. But if Kallis does play then I won't mind seeing Elgar coming into the side.

on November 26, 2012, 17:10 GMT

East or west southafrica is best.kallis one of most reliable all rounder.he must play 3rd test n save southafrica

PrasPunter
on November 26, 2012, 17:07 GMT

well, bad memories of cardiff, mohali has come back to haunt us. We couldnt
finish things off !! And who knows, for SA, this might well be the spark needed
to come out with guns blazing in Perth. Tahir won't play and hence easy runs are
not going to be given. Will be really tough for Aus from here onwards. Just
the feeling that a good chance to win has gone past us. Will pick SA as clear favorites for Perth !!

Night-Watchman
on November 26, 2012, 16:54 GMT

Let us not miss the heroic effort by Kallis who nursed a hamstring to come in, bat and score more than 100 runs in the test match. The man is one of the greatest of modern cricketers, it is sad that the modern cricket pundits discount his all-round achievements in comparison to specialist batsmen and bowlers.

Spelele
on November 26, 2012, 16:48 GMT

The likes of Marcio clearly don't understand Test cricket. I have a feeling that Clarke's so-called attacking captaincy is a tad overrated. When the going has been really tough, I haven't - as predicted before this series started - seen anything extraordinary from his 'hat'.

Another point: most are saying that SA have played defensively all series, and are praising Aus for moving the matches forward with their so-called attacking intent. Well, the Aussies have certainly come hard at the Saffas as expected, but it is telling that after all those sustained attacks, and despite SA being injury-struck and far below their best, the score-line going into the third test is still 0-0.

And one last question: if Aus and Clarke are so attacking, then why did the decision to declare come weigh after passing 400? Surely 350 was enough on a wearing Adelaide pitch? Or maybe the so-called attacking intent is a little hyped much?

Spelele
on November 26, 2012, 16:47 GMT

The likes of Marcio clearly don't understand Test cricket. I have a feeling that Clarke's so-called attacking captaincy is a tad overrated. When the going has been really tough, I haven't - as predicted before this series started - seen anything extraordinary from his 'hat'.

Another point: most are saying that SA have played defensively all series, and are praising Aus for moving the matches forward with their so-called attacking intent. Well, the Aussies have certainly come hard at the Saffas as expected, but it is telling that after all those sustained attacks, and despite SA being injury-struck and far below their best, the score-line going into the third test is still 0-0.

And one last question: if Aus and Clarke are so attacking, then why did the decision to declare come weigh after passing 400? Surely 350 was enough on a wearing Adelaide pitch? Or maybe the so-called attacking intent is a little hyped much?

gregjones
on November 26, 2012, 16:36 GMT

I just cannot understand why Nathan Lyon is not even mentioned in the debate. He is clearly the weak link in the Aussie attack. Even though he was bowling in the final day of both the test matches he could not create any impression whatsoever. Now people might say that he is no Warne and this and that. Forget Warne, look at any other spinner from the other teams in the world. They are a handful on most pitches in the final day whereas Lyon has been so easily negotiated that it is laughable that people like Ian Chappell is baying for Ponting's blood rather than the real culprit Lyon. Australia have a strong batting line up and it is not giving them headaches but these so called experts like Chappell who atleast after so many decades of playing and watching cricket should know better that it is the bowling that wins matches. I even suspect why Lyon was drafted into the team in the first place as his first class record is mediocre.

RashadBanna
on November 26, 2012, 16:21 GMT

Don't forget South Africa have had their share of bad luck too. They were closing towards wins over England and India several times only to be thwarted by the tail-enders. People calling them lucky should take this into account. The hallmark of great sides is to cling on to the very little chances of drawing or winning a test and actually doing it against all odds. As some people already mentioned, they were playing without Duminy in the first test (with the exception of the first day) and Kallis was clearly not anywhere near match fit. Momentum is very important in test cricket and Australia have been more or less on top for the first two matches, hands down. Even then if its not good enough to grind out a win means the opposition is gaining confidence along the way. They are very close to edging out a victory over Australia. Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke will not score in every game although they're true legends in their own right. Dale and AB are one big performance away.

OzWally
on November 26, 2012, 16:19 GMT

Even as an OZ supporter, I have to congratulate Faf on his innings. A special mention also to Siddle, who was running on fumes the last few overs and couldn't quite get us over the line. Just a great show of courage by both sides, I can't wait until the 3rd test. Does SA draw inspiration from this? Or does Aus, believing with a 4th bowler they would have won, keep the upper hand? Will this be Ricky's swansong? And all for the #1 ranking!

Trickstar
on November 26, 2012, 16:09 GMT

Great test match but I was so so hoping for SA to draw it after that one eyed, blow hard, hack Malcolm Conn wrote an article about how it was a matter of time today before Aus were No1, which was premature for several reasons.

on November 26, 2012, 16:03 GMT

What a performance by Du Plessis, Thats exactly why test cricket is so engrossing, it brings out the best in the players. It is how you would be in the long haul! Well done SA.

on November 26, 2012, 15:43 GMT

Watched, fascinated, every ball today. What a performance from du Plessis withstood all the bowlers, the verbals and the exhaustion. Kallis fought hard, nursing an injury, but "walked" as soon as he nicked. The aussies tried everything but were not good enough, and in the end, were the "losers".
South Africa certainly deserve to be the world test champions.

swat1999
on November 26, 2012, 15:34 GMT

I never seen anybody played better than Du Plessis in his debut. It was a miracle innings for him. I think this is the best innings he would play his entire lifetime. He make Aussie bowlers almost cry. His defence was like a iron shield. Wel done Plessis. God bless you. All young cricketer round the world must learn for Du Plessis how to save a test match. I love Test Mach.Wel done South Africa

on November 26, 2012, 15:00 GMT

Why do you need to set a target of 430, when a target of about 375 would have been sufficient. That would have given more time for Ausis to bowl out SA.

on November 26, 2012, 15:00 GMT

Marathon innings by faf du plesis to save SA.ONE OF THE BEST TEST INNINGS.

Amol_Gh
on November 26, 2012, 14:39 GMT

The matches of these type are the reason why I SIMPLY LOVE Test cricket ! Test is the Best. Hats Off to both SA and AUS. What an entertainer this was!

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 26, 2012, 14:38 GMT

As the dust settles over the next couple days it will be interesting to see what the 2 teams will look like. I am also keen to get some insight from aussie fans what the Perth pitch plays like, doe you need a spinner, etc. I hear it bounces a bit which will make Morkel even more effective. Will Siddle and Kallis be fit? Will Hifenhaus get the chop along with Quiney. Will Perth be Punto's last test match??? Some calls for Tahir to play again - thats crazy talk, i think he's played his last test - just doest have ANY control on the ball. Do you go in for an all pace attack in Perth??

Amol_Gh
on November 26, 2012, 14:26 GMT

As an SA fan, I hope they just keep both Rudolph and Tahir out of the third. They both cost SA the match...almost.

landl47
on November 26, 2012, 14:25 GMT

A great test match. Although I was hoping Australia would win, SA put in a marvellous effort to save the match. Australia with only 3 specialist bowlers couldn't quite get it done, but all credit to them for the way they played throughout the match. I think the criticism of Lyon is unfair; this wasn't a subcontinental wicket and he bowled with good control and aggression in both innings. Compare his figures with those of Tahir, the other specialist spinner in the match. SA really had no choice but to play for a draw once Smith and Amla went cheaply. With Kallis on one leg and ABD tired from keeping wicket (that experiment has to end soon, surely- he doesn't look half the player he used to be) there was no way they could chase down what would have been the biggest target in history. Monumental effort from FAF to bat all day. Looking forward to Perth!

sandy_bangalore
on November 26, 2012, 14:24 GMT

As an Indian, I salute the SA team for such a courageous fightback. I hope some of our overhyped flat pitch champs watch and learn.

DamieninFrance
on November 26, 2012, 14:16 GMT

Nothing but admiration for SAf here, especially for Faf. After Faf got the sharp end of the stick for the Proteas' meltdown against New Zealand in the World Cup, he always deserved the chance to show that he was made of sterner stuff. Great innings on debut from him. It doesn't get much tougher than a baptism of fire in Adelaide, on day five. Would loved to have seen it all live! Just shattered that my only coverage in France was when I got onto Cricinfo. Can't somebody give me a link to a streaming site that works, without SPAM?

Wexfordwonder
on November 26, 2012, 14:12 GMT

@Scottstevo: Yes Aus have been the better side for both of the tests. However, in the first test SA were missing one of their top 6 batsmen who is also a more than useful part time bowler. Lets say the same had happened to Aus with alike for like player, say Michael Clarke??? Or Hussey??? Duminy's abscence is unquantifiable as we do not know if he would have scored a duck or 150.

In this latest test, I know that Aus also carried an injury but Kallis was injured after 4 overs of bowling.

Injuries aside. I think SA will take a massive amount of heart from this test. Knowing that they are capable of so much more, both batting and bowling and still being able to hold out on foreign soil. Let us not forget that this is foreign soil. I think it is telling that Aus have probably played about as well as they could have but have still not come away with a result. So, if SA were to improve, what you can reliably say is that it would probably not be a draw.

on November 26, 2012, 14:09 GMT

Great game of Cricket. Kallis once again showed how great of a player he really is. Always consistent and someone you can count on during key situations. Good luck to both teams in the next match.

MVKD
on November 26, 2012, 14:09 GMT

ppl talkin abt SA playin for a draw, they played for the situation. why cant AUS declare giving a target of 300, that was just to be on the safer side. SA winning that match was tough having lost 4 early wicket. I back SA in this match. After all you dont wanna lose a match.

MaheshVenkat
on November 26, 2012, 13:54 GMT

As an Indian, now I know the value Kirsten brought to us... loads of luck!! Taking nothing away from Du Plessis, Aus should have won 9 out of 10 times. Du Plessis had 2 reviews going for him, one by a few mm. On another day, SA might not have had any reviews left.

Simoc
on November 26, 2012, 13:53 GMT

This has been as good a series as hoped for. Oz has thrown all their best shots at SA who have survived to date. SA haven't got to the front foot yet but Perth will be like a home ground to them with the huge SA Perth population . The number one seed should be a way off for this Oz team who need to beat SA and England to believe they have achieved. But of course beating teams at their home grounds is the hardest and that is what this SA team does best. I expect them to win in Perth.

CricketingStargazer
on November 26, 2012, 13:53 GMT

Amazing stuff today. South Africa saved this match the hard way by blocking Australia to distraction. Kudos to them for saving the match, although it obviously helped that Australia were a bowler short and have a spinner who can keep an end sealed, but has a strike rate of only 96 in this series. Probably both sides wish that they had an attacking spinner to complement their strong pace attacks when Plan A doesn't work. Anyway, it looks like you have a cracking series with the #1 spot in Tests still potentially in reach for either side (or evn for England, if results fall right).

on November 26, 2012, 13:52 GMT

just shows why SA is no.1 at the moment,they r down and out yet showed the character to survive when they lost top 4 wickets cheaply...now its time for Steyn and Co. to deliver early and not like delivering after conceding 400+ runs...also credit to aus for showing us why they r such a great cricket playing nation,they r always so competitive even after losing almost all their top players in the last 3-4yrs...looks like Cricket(read TEST's) will again revolve around Aus & SA like the last 15yrs

Sanjiyan
on November 26, 2012, 13:48 GMT

@Marcio if were using ifs and buts imagine IF SA had their first choice team(with philander and a fit Kallis), imagine the sheer amount of runs Kallis would have made to dwarf pups efforts. The reality was, Aus was a bowler short and SA were a batsman short(again). And when SA were 44/4 with more than a day to play, you shut up shop and knuckle down for the long haul. The type of test cricket you want to see, can be found once a year in India, only its called 20/20 instead. This match was the pinnicle of test cricket and all it stands for. It was the best advert for the purist fans, if you cant appreciate it...then nothing will

Jester01
on November 26, 2012, 13:39 GMT

Extremely well played Faf, I had my doubts about his selection after watching him in England but nobody can deny his talent. I hope we are now moving more to this team selection (when they are all fit) 1-Smith, 2-Petersen, 3-Amla, 4-Kallis, 5-Duminy, 6-AB, 7-Faf, 8-Philander, 9-Robin Petersen, 10-Steyn, 11-M.Morkel. I don't see any team bowling us out twice. Only missing ingredient is a quality spinner. I hope Robbie can be that player. Tahir has been woeful and he should be dropped.

Delmeister
on November 26, 2012, 13:33 GMT

Not very surprised that SA managed to hold out for a draw. This team has got character, as Smith showed when leading them to a THIRD SUCCESSIVE series win in England. SA are unbeaten away from home since 2005 if I remember correctly. The other factors that ensured Aus wouldn't get the win was the concrete highway they prepared in Adelaide (showing their fear of the SA pace attack), and the genuinely ordinary bowling that Aus put out. Forget everything else, if you can't take 20 wkts you can't win. Perth will be interesting, if it plays like a normal Perth wkt then Steyn and Morkel will cause Aus a lot of problems, and even more so if Philander is fit again. The Aus commentators were very chirpy and arrogant when day 5 started, and it was all over as far as they were concerned. Oh dear, Aus got exactly what they deserved by prepping such a flat track, and Kallis and company showed them what true character is all about. SA to win in Perth, Aus to get thumped in Ashes. Boohoo.....

on November 26, 2012, 13:31 GMT

What a great effort by du plessis on debut.........!SA shown their fighting quality again................

Usmaan21
on November 26, 2012, 13:24 GMT

Safaaz and Aussies have displayed thrilling test cricket....I could see 1-0 lead in favor of Aussies at stumps on 4th day but AB, Kallis and Faf did really well to avoid that. Great batting skills displayed by Clarke, Hussie, Smith, Kallis and Faf...overall an outstanding contest by the top teams in the top format of cricket....Would love to see Amla piling up runs and Steyn uprooting wickets in perth....

TheCricketeer
on November 26, 2012, 13:00 GMT

People should not forget that SA have played two test matches missing critical components of their attack.

In Brisbane they played the entire test match with ten men. Short a batter and short a bowler who was probably slated to put in 15 to 20 overs of spin to cover for the omission of Tahir. Who knows what he might have scored?

In Adelaide had Kallis been fit Smith would have had an option when Tahir had his meltdown. One got the feeling that without Kallis around Smith decided rather than revert to part timers it was the stage for Tahir to sink or swim.

If we can get Kallis and Philander on the park in Perth and we can avoid some of the bad luck we have been having I think we will be more than competitive. And the Aussie batting lineup will need to fire more consistently.... Clarke cant score all the runs every game

on November 26, 2012, 12:57 GMT

Where does this myth come from that AB is an aggressive, fast-scoring batsman? In ODIs and T20s, yes, he scores fast - that's the nature of the game. In Tests, his average strike rate is 53 - hardly fast. And in the previous two series against Australia, his strike rate was 40 - not far off Michael Atherton's 37, who was hardly considered an aggressive batsman.

Next point - if SA had scored at 3 runs an over, they would have beaten Australia. Granted, that was never an option after being 4 down but SA could take a leave out of Australia's book and aggressively look for wins rather than just prevent losses.

on November 26, 2012, 12:56 GMT

cant believe they were able to draw it...remarkable!

on November 26, 2012, 12:55 GMT

Nothing worse for a boxer, then to punch your opponent relentlessly and then still see him there standing unaffected. Beating the world's #1 test team shouldn't be easy and it isn't. The fear for us Aussies is that we could be going into Perth a big jaded from all that swinging, and that Morkel and Steyns are going to go all Curtly Ambrose on us and cause havoc. The hopeful injection of Watson and Starc into the side will be very welcome - but will it be enough?

LoveCric1975
on November 26, 2012, 12:48 GMT

A MUST READ FOR G KIRSTEN. Amla is due a big one for this series. I think he will get two big ones at Perth and it will all end 1-0 to SA. Aussies will rue the chance of taking the series 2-1. DuPlessis is in great form has a great technique with a straight bat so put him at 3 that will give amla a platform at 4 to go for a steady long innings. I BATTED at 4 against KLIENVELDT about 9 years ago when he used to open the bowling for a Birmingham league club called WALMLEY. Having made 47 in that game and surviving a spell of 7 overs from him I still think he bowls a touch short so tell him to pitch it up at Perth. Bring Parnell in for tahir and ask kallis to get some pain killers and play only as a batsman at Perth

ScottStevo
on November 26, 2012, 12:43 GMT

Briliant save from the Saffa's and a remarkable knock from Faf. Such a shame Australia didn't finish the job off here as they've played all over SA in 2 tests now without getting the results. SA fans may beleive this save will bring SA confidence, but I hardly see how being clearly second best and striving for survival, rather than a win is a positive for a team which is No.1. If SA were heading to Aus to impress upon us that they were the team to beat, they've certainly failed. it's probably clearest to see here on these boards just how miserably they've failed in this aspect as most SA fans thought this would be a whitewash series...Not only are SA yet to win a match, since day 2 of the first test match they've been by far and away the inferior team and barring a day of rain and one monumental innings 9 times out of 10 would be already 2 down....Hardly the stuff that I see as momentum or confidence building. Just hope Aus can finish the job off in WA for a hard earned series win...

R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on November 26, 2012, 12:39 GMT

Incredible effort from Faf to save the game. Poor old Siddle... bowled his heart out and just couldn't get the breakthrough. RandyOZ... nope; Jonesy2... nope.

Cheeka_CricketLover
on November 26, 2012, 12:32 GMT

Way to go Chennai Super King Faf!!!...From the first shot played for the CSK at chepauk, i knew he will excel in all forms of the game. And, he did. He has got the technique to go all the way in test cricket. He has also got "all the shots in the book", as they say.He is young and is definitely going to be one of the most exciting young talent to watch out for , in the coming future.

on November 26, 2012, 12:27 GMT

Salute the way SA saved this match. OZ produced wicket which cannot support as before that means it is clearly indicating that OZ afraid against Steyn & Co. If OZ set lively wicket for the remaining two matches SA can out play OZ.

Shackels
on November 26, 2012, 12:25 GMT

What happened today was a miracle.... against all odds, Graeme Smith still maintains the stat of not losing a Test Match in which he scored a century.... amazing. Faf u beauty!!!!! Give that man a BELLS!!!

Andross
on November 26, 2012, 12:23 GMT

As an Australian, I am very disappointed by the result, but SA deserve a lot of kudos, Faf played an exceptional innings, & must be congratulated heartily, I guess he'll be buying the teams drinks tonight!
As for Australia, I think that the loss of Patto was the key, as it left them with only Siddle as a strike bowler, I sense that Hilfenhous and Lyon, though both good bowlers, don't really have the aggression or the killer instinct to break through when the batsmen really knuckle down & defend rather than going after them, and this is reflected in the wickets today where Siddle got 3, Lyon only 1 (Even if it was Kallis) and Hilfy 0. Had Patto not been injured I think the result would have been different.
Hopefully in Perth, with the benefit of Watson's bowling & batting, & with Patto replaced with Starc, AUS can get the win that they've been rather unlucky not to get in the previous 2 tests. Then again, if AUS took momentum into Adelaide, you'd have to argue SA will take it into Perth

TheRisingTeam
on November 26, 2012, 12:16 GMT

Yes excellent effort for managing a draw but it must have been seriously boring for spectators and fans no wonder test Cricket is dying but nevertheless great effort form the South Africans.

heathrf1974
on November 26, 2012, 12:07 GMT

Although the South Africans played for a gutsy draw, their bowling attack will need to lift for the next game, namely Steyn and Philander (if fit). However, Morkel, I feel will be very dangerous on a WACA wicket.

vj_gooner
on November 26, 2012, 12:06 GMT

Its an undeniable fact that the Wade's dropped chances had a direct effect on the game. Imagine if we had got du Plessis just before tea, the game could have been in our pocket.

I strongly vouch for Bradley Haddin's return! The man is too good with the gloves and a much steadier batsman!

theman0493
on November 26, 2012, 12:05 GMT

T20 cricket is good fun but Test cricket is the real deal. What a great game. Hard luck to the Aussies and well played Faf. Great Debut. Next game should be fantastic as well. On to the WACA.

on November 26, 2012, 11:59 GMT

Is it a coincidence that both pitches were road strip flat??? Traditionally sa and aus pitches are similar, they offer assistance in bounce and side ways movement to the bowlers. I'm extremely disappointed CA is preparing such poor pitches in an effort to take sa bowlers out of the game. So far it is working for them, but now they run a risk of producing 3 draws and sa retaining the number 1position( even worse eng retaining the number 2 position). I bet they will leave some few patches of grass @ perth and we all know who will bowl better if there is any swing.......pitch preparation is killing test cricket. It is such a BCCI tactic to prepare flat pitches so that sachin and co score 100's and the whole of india can sleep well. It works well when you have a brilliant spinner in your team....lyon is far from brilliant and you can't expect him to win you a test match his not a shane wayne!I dare CA to prepare a green pitch

Marcio
on November 26, 2012, 11:54 GMT

This is like reading revisionist history. Last night all the comments from SA fans was about how awful they have played this series and how Smith must go (and understandably so). Now we have people like @sanman12 trying to spin it to suggest SA were the better team, and would have won but for...! It just defies belief. The reality is that SA were not competitive in this match at all, and scrapped a draw with 2 wickets to spare and nearly 200 behind after AUS declared then lost their main bowler. Do you think if Pattinson and Watson had been there to bowl SA would have lost by 250+. Any other scenario is just dreaming.

hnlns
on November 26, 2012, 11:52 GMT

I just have only admiration for Kallis and Faf du Plessis for the grit and determination they showed in saving this test for SA. I wish many of the Indian players can learn from these guys how to put their national pride ahead of everything else when playing for their national team in international arena. Kallis especially has shown what a great cricketer he is, batting so well with an injury in both innings.

PFEL
on November 26, 2012, 11:52 GMT

Sure both teams did well. But Australia did far better

gaziraihan88
on November 26, 2012, 11:51 GMT

It's evident after this test that you can draw a test at most by batting well,but you need the bowling to win any test match.we saw it in england's tour of pakistan,india's tour of england&australia when they hardly managed a score over 300,south africa's tour of england and england's most recent win over india.It's obvious the two michael's(clarke&hussey) brilliance is keeping SA at bay,but what if,if they does'nt perform in the next match?Would australia's bowling be good enough to shadow the batsmen's failures?we all know australian attack lost considerable venom since the retirement of warne&mcgrath,but they need a stable bowling lineup which can perform in all conditions to return to the top again.pattinson is a good baller but he is injury-prone and thats why australian selectors would have to make some hard decisions concerning the australian fast bowling department in tests coz australian current spinners are'nt good enough to win matches for the team now.

jmcilhinney
on November 26, 2012, 11:50 GMT

Test cricket is alive and well. We're getting lots and lots of results these days, the #1 ranking is up for grabs most of the time and even the draws are incredibly exciting. Long live Test cricket.

dogcatcher
on November 26, 2012, 11:50 GMT

Great game. SA well behind after day 1, with Oz (Clarke and co) playing some audacious cricket . Philander injury a huge backward step followed by their best bowler on the day, Kallis.Unfortunatley Tahir seems out of sorts and low of match practice & confidence leaving Smith in a precarious position. I'm not sure he knows how to captain or set fields for Tahir or Clarke for that matter yet. SA take day 2, though with 550 on the board still advantage Oz. Day 3 even though Oz still in pound seats. Day OZ onslaught leaving SA on brink. Day 5 all down to Faf, Kallis and AB. Special mention for Siddle that on another day deserved more for his efforts. A true team man and work horse, especially given their own injury concerns that for once evened out the game even giving SA the possible edge.SA look under cooked, but getting better. Watson will add another bow to the OZ team. Both teams have been unfairly held to draws in the past when victory a better suit. Can't wait for next game!

Wozza-CY
on November 26, 2012, 11:47 GMT

To all those knocking Lyon....do we really expect a finger spinner to bowl an opposition out on a good pitch in his 16th test match? The guy is still learning..

Akshita29
on November 26, 2012, 11:47 GMT

Wow what a day of test cricket . Test cricket is way above odis and t20s. Both this match and England and Ind match high the indomitable spirit of True test cricketers in the face of adversity . What batting by Faf , kallis , AB . And what an effort from the aussie fast bowlers . Sometimes things don't go your way even when you have given everything we got . Congrats to both SA and Aus from an sad Indian fan .

Spudatsea
on November 26, 2012, 11:47 GMT

valleypf SA is number one in the world is because they don't loose tests they should and win the tests they shouldn't. Australia missed a golden opportunity to stick one to a limping South Africa, but were found wanting. If Aus wants to be no. 1 in the world they need to take their chances when they arise. The scoreboard doesn't read almost won. Its win or lose and if SA take the next test the scoreboard win Read Australia as losers not 'almost winners'.

JM_RSA
on November 26, 2012, 11:43 GMT

SA has been outplayed for 2 test matches. Aus have failed to finish the job in 2 games that they should have won. This leads to frustration.

The SA bowling has been terrible for 2 test matches, i dont see the SA bowling failing 3 times in a row. I think SA will have the upper hand in the 3rd test.

pat_one_back
on November 26, 2012, 11:33 GMT

What an arm wrestle, huge wraps to SA for refusing to tap out, this missed opportunity could really hurt Aust now. Their Brisbane dominance motivated a cracking opening day assault but failure to land the final blows could prove deeply deflating. Patto's injury had a much bigger impact than Kallis or even Duminy, Aust can take only small consolation in this though, all that good work for nil. Not sure I've ever seen a bowler dig as deep as Siddle did today, hat tip. Lyon tried and tried but his inexperience showed today, didn't do enough with his lines, pace or delivery point, he needed to watch a bit of Monty!

Devmanus
on November 26, 2012, 11:27 GMT

I am an Indian team fan. but really admise SA team just because of Kallis.. Sachin is my god but If you ask me about the great cricketer of this era then no doubt its Mr. Kallis. I love to see Kallis holding all great records in cricket. He is really the greatest cricketer and contributer of our generation. just look at his cricketing spirit... way to go...

Percy_Fender
on November 26, 2012, 11:26 GMT

Just for the Australian comment makers. South Africa was far from their best side with Duminy and Philander out and Kallis only hobbling with a hamstring. So it was a very fair end. The final Test will be the real deal now. But then South Africa will be playing without the injured ones. Australia too has lost Pattinson but has Staarc and Hazelwood to fall back upon Siddle is built like an oak. So he will be there at the WACA.

Vleis
on November 26, 2012, 11:23 GMT

Clarke and Faf both had great games. One batted faster, to help get his side into a very strong position, while the other held the lower order together in the stuttering first innings and then saved the day in the second innings. Let's simply settle it by giving the MoM to the one with the higher average from this test...and that goes to Faf with 178 over Clarke's 134.

reality_check
on November 26, 2012, 11:19 GMT

Very few teams, actually none of the teams would have hoped to come out with a draw after the first day drubbing of 485/5. South Africa should feel proud of what they achieved. Du Plesis was awesome.

BRUTALANALYST
on November 26, 2012, 11:14 GMT

Faf du Plessis IS A CLASS BATSMAN, this was evident to me from watching IPL last yr I couldn't believe SA didn't pick him in the world cup and he wasn't a main ft in their t20/ odi sides ! no surprise he can adopt to the highest level of Test cricket no problem as he's top class with one of the best techniques around right now. Looked like a great match real shame the stadium was 3/4 empty . . .

on November 26, 2012, 11:10 GMT

South Africa became number one the hard way and their players showed that it will be doubly difficult to snatch it from them. Hats off to Du Plessis, AB, Kallis and the tails for defying the Aussies for 4 1/2 sessions. A lot of lessons for the losing Indians on how to save a match.

disco_bob
on November 26, 2012, 11:09 GMT

@Marcio SA had no choice but to play for a just as difficult draw. Smith was surprised with a good ball to early and after Amla went, the draw was the only option and you have to admit, that it not a single person thought it was possible therefore it must have taken exceptional skill. They call this Test cricket and they showed another side. It was fun to watch.

Chris_Howard
on November 26, 2012, 11:04 GMT

@marcio, you greatly under appreciate the difficulty of prolonged concentration. It is one of the most difficult things for batsmen to master. It's what set Bradman apart. What Faf did was one of the great debutant batting performances of all time and took incredible concentration. Look at his stats - the guy loves to score fast. Shutting up shop, blocking ball after ball goes so much against how he wants to play. Just playing against type is taking a risk, as any coach or commentator will tell you. It's one of the hardest things of all to do as a batsman. Clarke's performance on the first day was extraordinary, but so different to to Faf's, but both were what the circumstances required - and both were almost miraculous. RSA were never going to win once they lost 4 early wickets, so you can't be hard on them for trying to save the match. Anyone can go down swinging, it take true skill, courage and character to fight to stay alive. Faf deserved MoM coz he affected the result the most

CutHis_ArminHalf
on November 26, 2012, 10:54 GMT

why can't people accept that BOTH teams did well.

Australia to set up a winning position and a bold declaration.
Saffas for holding on in the face of defeat.

BOTH teams had injuries that you could argue cost them the match. But that is cricket.

postandrail
on November 26, 2012, 10:51 GMT

Snick_To_Backward_Point
You've overlooked one tiny thing. SA had to fight to save this Test because they were nowhere near good enough to win it! The number one ranking must come in a cereal packet nowadays. People will talk for years about the Adelaide Test SA weren't anywhere near good enough to win. But a great fighting non victory regardless.

straight_drive4
on November 26, 2012, 10:47 GMT

Matthew wade had a poor game. Missed several chances behind the wicket and had a poor game with the bat. Haddin must be back in the frame.

sanman12
on November 26, 2012, 10:31 GMT

at 480/5 on the first day no one gave south africa much chance
they bowled aussies out for 550. They also had a collapse in their batting but still made almost 390. Again they had aussies on the ropes at 111/5. had they bowled australia out for 150 or 160 I guess South Africa could conceivably had pushed for victory. Consider again the first day and this was surely not conceivable. on the penultimate day at 78/4 very few gave them a chance of surviving the day. The point to all of this is that the aussies were always ahead but at no time did the saffers allow them to run away to the extent that only one result was possible. From the numerous occasions of dominance if aussies could not win they they cannot justify that a draw was not a fair outcome of the match.

johntycodes
on November 26, 2012, 10:18 GMT

It's not an amazing effort by SA to save the match. We were down a bowler and it's pretty easy defending over after over of a spinner that doesn't spin the ball. Australia's best chance to win a match this series was always going to be in perth when they can drop lyon and bring in a decent fast bowler. Kreizja took 12 wickets on debut then a couple of matches later got dropped for good because he couldn't bowl out the south africans on a 5th day perth wicket. Lyon couldn't do it in 50 overs on a wearing 5th day adelaide wicket..

Snick_To_Backward_Point
on November 26, 2012, 10:08 GMT

Marcio - Faf's innings was head and shoulders above Clarke's. Batting on a flat track first without scoreboard pressure doesnt come close to saving a match. Don't believe you've batted through an entire innings either, if you had you wouldn't be making a case for Clarke's innings deserving MOM IMO.

VivGilchrist
on November 26, 2012, 10:07 GMT

As I said earlier it was good stonewalling by SA but Aus losing Pattinson put enormous strain on the Aussie attack. Different philosophies, Aus will risk defeat to chase victory, SA will chase victory when a loss is no longer an option. I guess we are used to the great WI and Aus teams of a few years back being incredibly dominant No 1's, and tend to expect it of this SA team....

on November 26, 2012, 10:07 GMT

Enthralling stuff today. Australia will be ruing lost chances, while South Africa will be lauding the efforts of De Villers and Du Plessis in his first Test. I'd much rather watch a Test match of this calibre than any T20 game anyday. Let's hope Siddle can back up for Perth on Friday.....

Snick_To_Backward_Point
on November 26, 2012, 10:04 GMT

Once again, Aussies demonstrating that they're a 1 trick pony relying on clarke and full of faded bats. They don't know how to win, clearly, and even when they're playing a team off-colour they still fluff their lines. Aussies demonstrating they're about 3 or 4 in the world and flat lining. Saffers will take heart from this and win the last match to sneak a series win.

on November 26, 2012, 10:04 GMT

Australians needs to be commended for good cricket they played but I find it very unwise to think Smith would have over-attacked the Australians when they had 162 runs into the 2nd innings. You only attack when you have enogh runs which is why Clarke is presented as a very positive attacking captain. FAF's inning is the greatest because he managed to prevent the Aussies from what looked like an inevitable victory after SA lost 4 quick wickets on day 4.

So the blame for Smith is a lack of understanding the game of cricket,

Biggus
on November 26, 2012, 10:04 GMT

Congrats to the Saffers for an excellent fighting draw. On to Perth.....

on November 26, 2012, 10:03 GMT

Magnificent test match! Was cheering on the Aussies but they could not get over the line. Brilliant display by Du plessis and AB, with an amazing save for the Saffas.

Hats off to Siddle as well, for the lionhearted display in trying to finish off the tail, especially since Pattinson was out injured. Siddle could barely stand by the end of play. Bring on the next one!

With this series and the one currently being played in India, test cricket is alive and well.

Basil777
on November 26, 2012, 10:03 GMT

Great work SA ; I must say AUS were superior in tactics;I believe SA must become more innovative on the field. Both team missed critical key players such as Philander and Watson but all and all nail-bitting stuff

nairadit
on November 26, 2012, 10:02 GMT

Amazing match, irrespective of a draw, I think Aussies would think they lost... and SA would consider this as a win. great temperament by Faf, Kallis and AB...

Kudos to Faf to prove that cricketers coming from the ranks still consider Tests as paramount and showcase exemplary temperament required to close matches...!!

Finally, like it was said in commentary, Kallis is better than the rest of their bench even on one leg... hope to see him in Perth and hope he bowls there too.. !

Marktc
on November 26, 2012, 9:59 GMT

Mario... seriously....Faf saved the match (as any Oz batsam in the same position would have tried to do). Had he gone out with guns blazing and SA had lost the the test, we would be all out for his blood. The test was beyond winning...so why try the impossible. SA snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat. Yes the Oz team batted well on day one, no one disputes that, but the circumstances were different. Why would SA after being 4 down for under a 100, decide to go leather to willow and try to lose all their wickets on the way to a nearly impossible win. The draw was the best result for SA, although Oz may have appeared to deserve the win.

Smith may be defensive in nature, but he has captained a highly successful SA side and I think he deserves a lot of credit for their rise to number one.
Sadly this is not a 5 test series as it should have been. SA will have to bring their A game back though, because in both the tests played, they have not looked very polished.

othello22
on November 26, 2012, 9:59 GMT

Great test match, thrilling to the end, but... South Africa have been comprehensively outplayed twice in a row yet somehow managed to eke out a couple of scratchy draws in both matches, and everyone is jumping up and down yahooing about how great they are? Just goes to show how many people out there are desperate for Australia to fail. I have nothing but admiration for the efforts of Du plessis, Kallis and De Villiers to deny Australia today, that was an incredible display of concentration and endurance, however if not for weather (Brisbane) and the crucial absence of our main strike bowler in Adelaide, I think you all know that the result of both matches could and probably should be quite different. The scoreboard says 0-0, true, but if SA (and their fans) think they have some sort of psychological advantage because they have narrowly avoided being beaten by a side everyone fancied they would wipe the floor with, then that be some pretty good stuff they be smokin. Bring on Perth.

Valavan
on November 26, 2012, 9:59 GMT

Great game. SA have the momentum going to Perth. Lets see how that pans out. Great fightback, no words, FAF stood between Victory and Australia. Australia lacks the venom of McGrath and Warne. They must develop that sort of player to have the knack at crucial junctures. Take away nothing from SA, splendid by FAF and injured kallis. Test cricket at ite best. Wish Perth will be another tussle but looking for a winner. cricinfo please publish

Essex_Man
on November 26, 2012, 9:56 GMT

A truly remarkable knock by Faf and an incredible escape by the Saffers. Reminds me of the 2009 Ashes Test at Cardiff.

Big question mark over Lyon now. The spin bowling cupboard looks bare for both these sides.

SuperSharky
on November 26, 2012, 9:55 GMT

Great Series so far! And another excellent 'draw match'. Australia totally thrashed the Saffers on the first day of this second test, and poor Graeme Smith and co was on the back-foot since Michael Clarke's 'another brilliant double century'. It was up's and downs for both teams and under difficult circumstances the Proteas fought amazingly hard to earn a draw out of this one. Great Cricket not giving an inch. Now the third an final Test is on a peak. I believe these two teams have no superior over the other and therefore I expect a drawn series after the last Test.

iluvtest
on November 26, 2012, 9:53 GMT

Reminded me of Atherton's wanderers epic during 1995 series to save england.Great batting.It is the forgotten art of saving a test match by sheer grit and determination.Happy to see once again. Hope India sees the video of this match and learn some things.AB and Kallis also did a very commendable job.Great match.

Shaggy076
on November 26, 2012, 9:49 GMT

Credit where its due the South Africans put up a massive performance today not sure any country around the world would have that much guts. Dont think the pitch played up as much as I thought but that was an awesome effort. I'm pretty sure man of the match is exactly that the best player in the game and in my opinion that was Clarke, not too many batsman score 200 in a day which set up the great game that occured. Its a new era and I'm sure before DRS the South Africans would have struggled, not sure of the validity of some decisions and thought it was meant to get rid of the howler not sure its working.

on November 26, 2012, 9:49 GMT

Great game... Test cricket lives on in mysterious ways... Which is why it is called a TEST .. Faf s made a dream debut.. Now Jean Paul duminy has something to worry about apart from his tendon... Well. On a second thought its Jacques Rudolph s got the trouble.. Now all focus on WACA... Good luck saffas ..

OneEyedAussie
on November 26, 2012, 9:45 GMT

The truth is that the combination of Siddle/Hilf/Lyon really lacks striking power and thus were unable to bowl out SA. Pattinson's injury was a severe blow for that reason, although one would think Australia still should have won the test match.

Hats off to du Plessis.

LoveCric1975
on November 26, 2012, 9:45 GMT

DuPlessis showed great composure unseen of a debutant for ages. He has got the Straightest BAT I have seen since tendulkars. Solid as a rock I see a near future SA captain material as he seems to have the technique to be one of the first few on the team sheet. Highly impressed.

Dr.Vindaloo
on November 26, 2012, 9:40 GMT

Australia lacking world class spinner. Lyon is steady but nothing more. Having two part-timers in Clarke and Warner doesn't make up for that. One class act better than three mediocre ones. And to our friend Marcio, tune out for a couple of weeks and we'll hear from you again when the one-dayers start!

CustomKid
on November 26, 2012, 9:25 GMT

@philvic - you must not be watching the same game I am buddy. I love G.Smith but he is the most defensive captain in the game. Has been all his career and will continue to be so until he retires.

I have never ever seen him gamble to gain the upper hand. I spent the first 4 days at AO watching this game and Smith had them scattered everywhere. Name one point in that test were SA were in front because of Smiths aggressive tactics other than when they were 3/55. Even then he had 2 slips and a gully, with the best bowling attack in the world.

Clarke had men all around the bat that entire last inning,s if that is defensive then I must be watching the wrong game. It was a ripping test match and while pitch wasn't great it was only two poles away from a result. Weather permitting Perth will have a result. While I want the aussies to snatch it I have a feeling ZA's bowlers will thrive on the WACA.

on November 26, 2012, 9:24 GMT

@Marcio: Anyone who has even the slightest idea bit about cricket and who watched the game would agree that Du Plessis deserved the MoM award. They would also agree that Michael Clarke would have been a worthy candidate. However the for the scales to tip in the favor of Pup, Australia would have had to win the match or Pup taken a few more wickets himself.. He didn't. So no MoM for PuP. This is a TEST match.. Du Plessis passed every test imaginable, in this his first international match. He did win MoM. simple

"Why wouldd you give the MOM to someone who simply stoped his team from losing? Give the award to those who stepped up to the plate and tried to at least win the game"

^ Are YOU serious? This is precisely WHY they don't. If the award was given to those who TRIED to win - we'd have a bunch of ridiculous MoM awards handed out to LOSING players, who tried hard, but didn't quite have the impact necessary to influence the match decidedly - even when that decision is a drawn matc

bliksempie
on November 26, 2012, 9:23 GMT

Marcio, I think you need to relax a little. The Aussies batted well, but they're hardly the epic, all-conquering, rescuing-orphaned-babies-from-burning-buildings, muscle-bound and well-oiled legends of Greek mythology that you're making them out to be. Credit where credit is due, and all that.

RednWhiteArmy
on November 26, 2012, 9:22 GMT

In sporting terms, this is what is known as "choking"

abdada
on November 26, 2012, 9:20 GMT

As usual, avoiding the limelight is AB de Villiers, who once again sacrifices for the team. When the top order scores heavily and he has to bat quickly to push for a result, he is willing to sacrifice his wicket. In this match, he played against his normal style as the situation demanded. He is even willing to keep wicket at the risk of reducing his longevity. This trait is more meaningful than any stats he can accrue. It is why players like Jonty Rhodes, Inzimam, Clarke will always be respected no matter what the numbers say.

virgoman73
on November 26, 2012, 9:19 GMT

@Marcio, how wrong could you be? Faf won man of the match, and here is why: Michael Clarke's 230 did not win Australia the game, neither did Hussey's or Warner's centuries.

Clarke and Warner set up the probability of a win with their unbelievable run rate but Australia ultimately lacked the bowling power. I know Pattinson was injured (not that he was that dangerous to begin with), but so was Kallis; a bowler who does not bowl on as regular a basis as a dedicated bowler, but when he bowls he takes wickets and breaks big partnerships.

With 4 down chasing a record 4th innings target, it was the middle order lead by Faf DuPlessis that turned an almost guaranteed loss into a draw.

We all have our opinions but the result is what it is; it reflects that after the Adelaide test, neither SA or AUS can claim to hold the upper hand in the series.

yorkslanka
on November 26, 2012, 9:19 GMT

wow, what a result, looks like a fantastic rearguard action from DuPlessis to save the game for the Proteas...a lot of Australian fans stated that this pitch would produce a result rather than a draw so I can only assume its the great skill of SA to hold on for that draw when they were behind for so long in the game...thrilling test cricket...

on November 26, 2012, 9:18 GMT

batting for 376 balls for 110 on any wicket to save a test match is awesome. test cricket at it's best.

on November 26, 2012, 9:08 GMT

@Marcio I can clearly make out you are an Aussie fan. If they were so great, they should've won this test match EVEN with South Africa's defensive approach. There is a reason South Africa are No. 1 in the standings and it is this grit, determination and resolve. Sometimes, a victory gets out of hand. Doesn't mean you go down all guns blazing. South Africa did the right thing by shutting shop and saving the game. AB DeVilliers and Michal Clarke played out a similar no. of balls. Both were great, but different, innings. I'd like to see Australia try to bat for a day and half for a draw. They simply can't. South Africa have proved they can. Faf didn't simply 'stop' his team from losing - he stopped them from going 1-0 down. A huge psychological advantage. Great cricket from both sides, but this will go down as South Africa's test match.

disco_bob
on November 26, 2012, 9:07 GMT

Australia has done much better than expected already in this series, I do not think we deserve to hold the no.1 position just yet, but we have been steadily heading there much faster than anyone expected. Let SA enjoy it for a little while, when we do eventually get there, it should be with a settled team without holes. This is what India, England, and SA have failed to do. Thus they don't stay there long.

Maybe Phillip Hughes and Khawaja will be ready to slot in soon, with Watson moving down the order, and Punter gracefully retiring after a big performance in Perth. It's a bit of a worry though that our next generation quicks keep getting injured. I'd like to see Starc play in Perth.

AltafPatel
on November 26, 2012, 9:06 GMT

It was marvelous efforts to draw the match. After getting 4 down at 46, and having one and half day to play, improbably result produced by SA. That will also obviously encourage them against word game from Australia. Best luck SA.

Resultpredictor
on November 26, 2012, 9:06 GMT

Good match, great contest and a thrilling end to the match. Marathon innings by Faf, with support of AB and Kallis saw SA remain at top. Its all down to Perth now.

Phat-Boy
on November 26, 2012, 9:06 GMT

@marcio. Are you serious? What the hell was smith doing bowling tahir all match if he wasn't looking to get wickets and attack? Restricting them?
Just because one team was outplayed by the attacking nature of the other doesn't mean they weren't trying to win.

Gabbagod
on November 26, 2012, 9:06 GMT

I'm an avid Aussie fan but awesome batting and concentration from the Saffas. In my generation, visiting teams rolled over and died, but this SA team showed the fight that should make their country very proud. Sure we had a much better attack then, but you can only play what is tossed up to you. It certainly beats the efforts of the Poms over the last 25 years that's for sure !

KRISCO
on November 26, 2012, 9:04 GMT

fantastic faf du plessis......... magnificent australia tried everything thanks to the DRS a fair result or else clarke n his men we all know can stoop to any low level for a win just like sydney 2008........ they did not deserve to win............ kallis the legend proves his worth for team cause... the aussie crowd reacted better than the 11 on the field they gave faf, kallis n de villiers the applause they deserved........
in the end Smiths legacy of not scoring a losing ton in tests survives......
AUSSIES DID NOT DESERVE TO WIN NEITHER DID THE PROTEAS DESERVED TO LOSE..... LONG LIVE TEST MATCH CRICKET!!!!!!

Ross_Co
on November 26, 2012, 8:56 GMT

A great fight from the saffas. A genuinely honourable draw with none of the..ahem..tactics we saw from 'England' at Cardiff in 2009. Oz have been the better team throughout the series but Perth has the pitch which most suits the saffa attack. Both sides battered & exhausted from this test though, so might be down to last team standing wins. Superb stuff.

CustomKid
on November 26, 2012, 8:51 GMT

Cracking match - T20 has nothing on the magic of test cricket. Got to the first 4 days but missed today with work commitments. Brilliant century from the debutant and deserved MOM hands down.

Shame the aussies couldn't close it out after dominating so much but it's all set for a WA showdown. Bring on Friday and I wished this was a 5 test series.

Well done saffas on a great rear guard effort.

Marcio
on November 26, 2012, 8:50 GMT

My point is, why give up trying to win four sessions from the end of the game when your opponent has lost its main strike bowler? That's what I mean by "timid". Safety first. Eliminate all risk. Having batted through an entire innings myself, I know it takes far more skill and courage to take it to an opponent and risk losing your wicket, than to stand there and block, block, block over after over (which just takes focus and concentration, repeating the same thing over and over without having to think, innovate or take risks). That's why Faf's innings, while excellent in temperment, can't begin to compare with what we saw on the first day, which was absolutely remarkable. How quickly people forget.

ratspeed
on November 26, 2012, 8:50 GMT

From here on in supporters from both sides should stop going on about how great their centurions are. There was far to many of them in the series so far, centuries should be coveted because the are difficult to get. KP getting a 180+ on a turning subcontinent wicket is far more impressive than any of the centuries in this series. If you want a more exciting final match and a series decision tracks need to be made that challenge the batsmen and privilege the bowlers more.

disco_bob
on November 26, 2012, 8:49 GMT

@Marcio, I have to disagree in that Faf's innings displayed courage of the highest order.

SA and OZ have set up probably the most bewildering match for the No.1 position possible. This is probably the first time ever where not a single pundit would be confident of calling the winner in Perth. This was probably one of the finest draws under pressure of all time. You have to take your hats off to SA and say well played.

If Tahir plays in Perth, SA will win. He must be given a chance to redeem himself, if SA do not pick him they will lose. My gut feeling is that Tahir will be in.

wellrounded87
on November 26, 2012, 8:48 GMT

This game was hardly the display of a champion side. SA basically conceded the game was unwinnable yesterday. I can't imagine the aussie side that dominated world cricket would have put on a mind numbingly unentertaining and unsportsmanlike performance. If i were a saffa fan i would have much rathered to see them lose trying to get the win then block for 5 sessions. They might be number 1 but they're not a champion side and never will be if they don't change their attitude

shovwar
on November 26, 2012, 8:47 GMT

Australia tried with everything they had now its SA's turn in Perth

Greatest_Game
on November 26, 2012, 8:46 GMT

What an Epic. It started with an unbelievable all out offense on day 1 as Warner, Clarke & Huss racked up the runs, and ended with a day of all out defense as de Villiers, Du Plessis & Kallis defied expectations and ground out a draw. And in between more twists and turns than any of us imagined, and none of our legions of armchair pundits ever clearly predicted.

No way two 20/20 matches per day could keep me up till 4 am every day for 5 days. They are just never this exciting. And I'll do it all again starting in 3 days! I, most unfortunately, live in a sporting desert - USA - & as the sole Saffer & cricket fan in my family, it is difficult to explain why after 5 days I am bouncing off the walls because "there are only another 2 hours to the draw!" I don't even bother responding to the unkind comments. Pearls before swine, so to speak!

Hats off to siddle.Never gives in,heart on his sleeve.His toiling all day was a phenomenal effort,still steaming in at 140kms till the end.I wonder if he will be fit/rested in time for the waca.4 days isn't much of a rest,tho something tells me he will be putting his hand up....

HatsforBats
on November 26, 2012, 8:45 GMT

Absolutely magnificent from faf. Lucky for SA that the pitch held up better than expected but they were excellent in denying Aus the win; I still would've liked to have seen more positive intent from them. Pattinson probably would've made the difference but Hilfenhous wasn't penetrative enough and by the end it appeared Clarke didn't have any faith in him to make a breakthrough. If Perth isn't taking spin I'd like to see Johnson in...I know the risk he brings but his test record in perth is amazing, he adds the element of danger (he's still the quickest bloke in the country), and he just took 4-for in Hobart and hit Paine in the head. Quiney out for Watson if fit. I'm predicting a SA win though with Steyn finally to wake from his coma.

on November 26, 2012, 8:39 GMT

@marcio. Mate, you can't be serious, Du Plessis' knock was an incredible study of concentration and skill under extreme pressure, especially as the game seemed lost on the fourth evening. Under those circumstances any batsmen would have stopped taking risks. Also, you don't need to score at 5 runs an over to be trying to win the match, SA batted with intent on the second day but were halted by a batting collapse, which Du Plessis fought through and scored fairly quickly. As for the Gabba, SA batted quickly enough in the first innings, and were then in a position where they couldn't win the match, so you can't really say they've lacked intent.

on November 26, 2012, 8:37 GMT

You will not see many teams in the cricketing world to save a game like that.apparently you will not see.S.A. is the best in the world now and they did that exceptionally well in a difficult situation against a quality attack.Thanks to Faf, and obviously all time Kallis, with his injury, they played for their team.

ian45
on November 26, 2012, 8:36 GMT

well played lads and condrats to Faf for your match saving knock, South Africa go to perth with momentum up, chappel must be popping a hemmaroid LOL

mthi4life
on November 26, 2012, 8:33 GMT

The Proteas have been poor, had a lot off injuries,but still Australia can not find a way to beat them.The Proteas need to come to the party in Perth,if they continue playing like this they will no win the series.The bowler's and captain do not respond when the batsman are aggressive.I still think Tahir should play in the last test,Smith has not been protecting him with his field placings.I hope Philander,Kallis,Steyn recover for Perth and we will see a good match.

68704
on November 26, 2012, 8:32 GMT

what a brilliant game and what a performance from the south african batsmen and Siddle? Spare a thought for the aussies, who scored 481 on the first day and still were unable to close the game out.australia have dominated both games so far and that is a significant achievement because south africa have been caught napping. They got a scare in the first game and an even bigger scare in the second game. However it may all not count for anything come Perth and that would be Clarke's worry. But take nothing away from the australians, from day one of the adelaide match they have been the one who have been hunting and south africa have been hunted. south africa though are mentally strong and will believe that this is their stroke of good luck to draw the next one too because they have not even wanted to win which I believe could work against them . well done Australia and I am sure it will happen at Perth.
Ramanujam Sridhar

Soso_killer
on November 26, 2012, 8:32 GMT

A draw was a fair result on this "flat pitch", neither team looked like winning nor losing to be fair.

A team scoring at 5 an over is just not good test cricket in my opinion. I am not surprised at all by a draw, red flags were there from day 1.

South Africa has the best pitches in the world hands down, a game will never be influenced by a toss, unless it rained and the conditions are overcast. Both teams have an equal opportunity of winning a game.

Langjan
on November 26, 2012, 8:31 GMT

Marcio, if the Aussie team is unable to take advantage of home ground, injury-ridden opponents and that after winning a good toss, it is adding insult to injury to call their opponents timid. The South African team showed real character by coming back against all odds to force a draw. See you in Perth!

klempie
on November 26, 2012, 8:31 GMT

Always lovely seeing downcast Aussies....especially win they fail to win from such a dominant position. The frustration is good to see. :o)

on November 26, 2012, 8:31 GMT

@Marcio Absolutely. There could be no other MOM winner other than Faf. The difference here is that in previous years, South Africa would have lost this test match. They have been on the back foot from the word go. This display of courage (yes - COURAGE) can have a tremendous effect on the rest of the team leading into the Perth test. His display was nothing short of heroic and should be recognized as such.

Unomaas
on November 26, 2012, 8:30 GMT

OMG...my nails are little stubs on their fingers :P. Woke 2 AM this morning after getting 3 hours sleep. I will be a zombie in the next 4 hours :P. It was worth it though. So proud to be a saffer :=). On to the Waca we go. Something has to give and a result must be reached.

In hindsight, still feel this was a batters wicket with little to nothing in the wicket. Batsmen just got out in stupid ways. Will admit its not a road...more like a pavement :P

Both teams will have new faces in the side. Clarke and Hussey can't reproduce their superb batting skills again. The law of averages is significantly against them. Steyn really needs to rock up for the party. He has taken a fair bit of flak so I expect him pmnped up and ready to prove why he is number 1.

thrash_metal
on November 26, 2012, 8:28 GMT

Epic Test Match!!!!! Well done Proteas, what a performance!! #Legends. This was an incredible effort, you make us proud. Now let's hit our straps from the first session in Perth so that we can go for the win. Faf well deserved man-of-the-match, a truly great innings. Well done Jakes and AB :) South African greats

goutamaniad
on November 26, 2012, 8:27 GMT

@larry_david: How successful would the warne/mcgrath duo be with the opposition's accessing of DRS, you ask? Not as bright as they already have, I say. There would be no chance for that partial meddling of Mr. Darrel Hair for sure, in those long-gone days when the rule for impartial umpires hadn't been brought into play.

That agonizing result of the 1994 Saf-Oz test in, I believe, Adelaide, minus a yet to be capped McGrath, comes to mind in illustration.

on November 26, 2012, 8:26 GMT

MoM is for the person who contributes most towards the result -- not necessarily a win. Faf influenced the result the most and deserves the MoM.

Greatest_Game
on November 26, 2012, 8:21 GMT

Marcio. Top of the day to you, Blue. I'm sure you are happy that Faf Du Plessis received the Player of the Match award. Interestingly, this was predicted by many, especially those who well understand cricket (and took their meds that morning.) It popped up several times in the Cricinfo commentary, & even Sid Tayla wrote in his wrap up "Du Plessis is the hero, the and clearly the Man of the Match for his performance in both innings."

There are many cricket awards, by match, series, and season, up to Test Player of the Year. I have researched the awards you suggested, & can find none for "intent to win," "risk-taking," "courage," and "innovation." From what I can gather, those are qualities expected in all test players, & no institution, including CA, specifically singles out those qualities with an award, as they would already be found in the "Player of the Match."

Great game, huh? I'm sure you appreciated the ending.

See you later mate.

goutamaniad
on November 26, 2012, 8:18 GMT

@MinusZero: When did Warne ever pitch far outside off stump and viciously turn that ball past the batman's guard, or stroke for that matter, onto dislodged bails or disarrayed stumps? Ain't u confusing him for someone who did that regularly: Muralitharan?

Warne's mastery was to bowl batsman behind their legs. As for the googly, he could hardly compete with the likes of Mushtaq Ahmed when he had to.

dsig3
on November 26, 2012, 8:17 GMT

Well done to SA and Aus, but an absolute disgrace by the SACA. A day 5 pitch that was more placid than a puppy dog has no place in Australia. Send the groundsman to Sri Lanka so he can ply his trade making featherbeds, they might appreciate it more there. Adelaide has always pushed the boundary of what is acceptable balance for bat and ball but this is surely the wake up call. Hopefully when the drop in pitches come in next year it will change some attitudes down there.

Nicksneds
on November 26, 2012, 8:15 GMT

@Marcio, are you serious? Test cricket legends have been built on 'backs against the wall' efforts. You have to have serious skills to be able to bat as long and with as much concentration as Faf/kallis etc cricket is a like a game of chess and you cant use the same approach every time.

Australia's approach is great to watch but does that mean everyone should do the same? No. South Africa grind out results and are unbelievably hard to beat. That is why they are number 1.

And just so you know, I dont support South Africa.

TestCricketFan_kobus
on November 26, 2012, 8:11 GMT

continues...
After day 3 was done... I'd say SA was almost in a 50/50 chance, had they struck early the next morning (which was the tendency for the morning sessions thus far - 3 wickets day 1 morning... 5 wickets day 2 morning... 5 wickets third day morning). AUS did well to setup a big total to defend and bowl SA out in just over 5 sessions. Now, the final innings and in my books even greater than AUS' first innings. I'm sure the Proteas went out to "win" and chase the 430, BUT they lost early wickets and that made it impossible..agree? So they did the next best thing to get a result. Batted time. Of course Faf's innings deserves MoM for being a match saving 370 ball innings on debut fighting to save a test match. Faf's innings determined the outcome. Clarke's innings made only one winner possible, and they couldn't pull it off. How in the world can you think Clarke's innings deserved MoM?? a Fighting glorious drawn test match is far better than a one-sided test result...

Jaffa79
on November 26, 2012, 8:10 GMT

drawing there was quite 'Un-Australian'. I thought 'Australianism' would prevail but alas no.

TestCricketFan_kobus
on November 26, 2012, 8:10 GMT

@Marcio. You must be a T20 fan hey?
I thought this was a brilliant test match. Yes, after day one almost everybody would agree that Aus would and probably should win the test. To say SA played for a draw from the start is ridiculous. Aus won the toss on a flat pitch, lost the first session and then did something amazing session 2 and 3 on day 1. South Africa fought back and after day 2 there was not much between the teams. Or did you mean the Proteas should also have batted like AUS did in those 2 freak sessions???
I differ. (Side note: Faf got Clarke lbw second or fourth over after lunch day 1. Had SA reviewed it, Clarke woulda been out and Aus 120/4 and in deep trouble. They did not review and Clarke went on to score a dominating double).
Again, after day 2 SA was in the match and playing positive cricket. Then Aus hit back in the morning of the third day - 5 wickets if I remember correctly. Then SA battled to a decent total. Got Aus in trouble again. A lead of 270 with 5 down..

VivGilchrist
on November 26, 2012, 8:09 GMT

Funny game Test cricket. Only one was ever trying to win the game. From scoring at 5.5 rpo in the first dig to try to win, followed by a declaration, and then losing a fronline bowler on a placid pitch. Credit to SA for not losing but you'd expect the intent of SA to be more positive considering they are the no1 team.

shovwar
on November 26, 2012, 8:08 GMT

I understand the frustration of OZ fans. And it is natural because in reality they tried everything but could not knock out the no.1 test side so far. But fans who understand test cricket in true sense would understand why DuPlessis is MOM. Day 1 was Batsmen Paradise it was very easy to bat on. Day 5 was the hardest to bat on. And DuPlessis defied all the odds and batted for more than 4 session with good support from the others. You cannot just hit the balls like day 1 and chase 430 odd runs and especially in the last 2 days. How much run did Aussie scored in the 2nd innings? SA second innings were even harder to bat on. SA still did not perform like they usually do n i think its in the corner. Aussie showed some great cricket which they are known for. But at the end SA showed some gutsy die hard attitude which is just 1 of the reasons y they are no 1. Now its time to perform. Reminds me of Rocky 4. Take the hits, survive and then deliver the knock out punch come Nov 30 at Perth.

tokoloshe
on November 26, 2012, 8:08 GMT

Marcio, I can see you are a die hard Aussie suporter but even a die hard has to appreciate what happened today. I loved it and if you are a cricket lover you would at the very least appreciate it! Nice one Faf. This will hopefully be the start of a great test career.

Shaun742
on November 26, 2012, 8:08 GMT

Well, at the end of this match, some people will be angry, some will be happy and others indifferent. It's been an epic game of test cricket, leaving all of us exhausted and in dire need of some rescue remedy. This was a game of fractions, where had they held onto their chances, Aus may have ended up victors, however one can't deny the grit and determination of SA for grinding out a draw. Kallis injured, a less than ordinary Tahir and having conceded almost 500 runs on day 1...you gotta say things didn't look good for them. Hats off to Clark and co for a great battle, fantastic double and aggressive captaincy. All in all, as cliché as it sounds, test cricket was the winner. Quite fitting that it came down to the last 2 balls of the game. To all you Aus supporters, hard luck...to the SA boys, resilience of the highest order which shows mental toughness. Faf, what an innings! Even Aus supporters know how difficult it is batting on day 5 at Adelaide. Can't wait for the finale in Perth!

Tripswitch
on November 26, 2012, 8:06 GMT

@Marcio - Welcome to test cricket. Faf did brilliantly to save the match and well desrves MOM.

Dirk_L
on November 26, 2012, 8:05 GMT

@Marcio: you can't blame a team that has lost a player for playing it safe. Both captains did that. Clarke as captain took very few risks. He did not declare until the lead was way past the highest-ever mark at this ground. He made his bowlers keep it tight with sweepers saving boundaries (as he did in most of the SA first innings) rather than putting in many close-in fielders, until the RRR rose to more than 6 runs per over. I'm not blaming him, he was a bowler short. But you can't blame the South Africans, having been set an impossible target, to decide they are not meekly handing over the mace just to entertain the home crowd. No lack of courage when your best batsman bats with a grade 1 hamstring injury and sees the throw going to the end he's running to every time.

anver777
on November 26, 2012, 8:03 GMT

Not only the MOM award, i think he should deserved a very special award like.....
"The Best Debutant of Test Cricket" for his gutsy & under pressure efforts in both innings !!!! In the end though the match drawn, no doubt the Safers were the ultimate winners !!!!

Supa_SAFFA
on November 26, 2012, 8:03 GMT

@Marcio: SA has taken the biggest hits AUS could dish out and are still standing with some reserves in the tank... the Rocky Balboa of cricket. Big IF... If SA takes the final match through a match-winning performance due by Amla, or De Villiers (who must by now be seeing the ball with his eyes closed before it gets bowled), or by Philander coming back for his obligatory five-fors... IF that happens, then it will be the stonewalling innings of Faf du Plessis that goes down in history as the one that defined the outcome of the series. Not the two spectacular but ultimately futile double tons by Clarke.

Front-Foot-Lunge
on November 26, 2012, 8:02 GMT

When you've got a spinner (Lyon) who doesn't turn the ball (shouldn't spinner be able to do this??) and you're trying to save the game all you have to do is flat bat it back up the pitch. And hence SA draw this match easily against an impotent Australian attack.

on November 26, 2012, 8:01 GMT

I really object to the tone of this article. The Australian's did everything possible to win this match and this article basically implies that the team didn't play well enough. It would have been a miracle if Wade had caught that nick, and Cowan's was as tough as they come. Both had good games in the field and pulled off some great dismissal's, so it all evens out. You can't catch them all. The author might have a point if they were sitters. Du Plessis's innings was terrific and the Saffer's fully deserved to save the game. But the suggestion that Australia didn't play well enough to win is nonsense. We would probably have beaten every other side in the world before lunch, or tea at the latest, except this South African team. Well done to both teams and it is churlish to marr a terrific Test with this type of one sided article.

Number_Eleven
on November 26, 2012, 8:00 GMT

@Marcio you've gotta be kidding. Clearly you are an australian supporter. From a neutral point of view, South Africa (and in particular Faf Du Plessis) showed incredible courage, skill and determination to save this test - the attributes that define quality test cricket. An injured Kallis, a restrained De Villiers, and debutant with nerves of steel. One the tests of all time!! Two points for you parochial aussies to consider - 1) Aussie have been all over S.A for the majority of 2 tests and haven't been able to put them away. 2) Without the unbelievable batting of Clarke (and Hussey) they may well have lost both matches. I'm picking S.A for a comfortable win over a tired and dejected aussie in the 3rd test (assuming Clarke doesn't score another double!).

on November 26, 2012, 7:59 GMT

@ Marcio. Faf deserves the MOM. He stood between Aus and a victory. If it was not for him Aus may very well have won this match. Alternatively you can always view it as the Aussies were not good enough to win the test so why should one of their players receive the award if they could not force a result? SA were good enough to not allow the Aussies a win here. In fact Aus, considering they bossed this game all the way through, have probably got a hellava lot of soul searching to do here. Still, the number 1 status remains with the no. 1 side in the world. Respect to Siddle as well.

on November 26, 2012, 7:56 GMT

Magnificent defense by the No 1 team in the world. An epic innigs on debut by Faf, definately the MOM. And Siddle's gigantic solitary effort to land the KO deserves applause. The psychological advantage has shifted to the Saffras who will land the KO blow in Perth. Sorry to the baggy greens, so close and yet so far

Front-Foot-Lunge
on November 26, 2012, 7:55 GMT

Minnows cricket - Flat pitches are destroying the game. To check out real skill go see Cook and co batting on crumbling minefields in India. To bat on a minefield is a different caliber of the game than playing 'tennis-ball cricket' on a flat deck, for which you don' have to have much skill. Australia need to find some way of beefing up their bowling attack, maybe bring back Hauritz, as their current attack continues to be infamously impotent.

TsoroM
on November 26, 2012, 7:53 GMT

What a Herculean effort and a memorable introduction to test cricket from Faf! I always believed he had these sort of innings in him and have been waiting quite anxiously to see him have a go! Wonderfully played! It seems South African debutants really wanna stick it to the Aussies in the past few series against the two teams, Duminy, Philander and now Du Plessis have all had incredible starts to test cricket against the Aussies. Go SA, hope our bowling pack puts in a better effort at the WACA and we can win this series 1-0

TJAPUKAI
on November 26, 2012, 7:53 GMT

@Marcio.Come on Mate. You must be kidding right.Saffers just saved the game by playing out almost 5 sessions.I am sure that Aussies were put in a situation like that and if Clarke or Hussey does the same "stone walling",they would have received the MOM award.It is very difficult to play the fourth innings especially the last day when you start with already 4 wickets gone. Having said that Aussies played aggressively .Dominated the five days of this match.But just couldn't take 20 wickets.I guess that's what test cricket is all about. Small things matter the most.Here the innings of Faf made the difference.Otherwise it was a cakewalk for the Aussies

Alonelypontingfan
on November 26, 2012, 7:52 GMT

Why oh why is this series only 3 matches long? The minimum amount of matches for an AUS vs RSA Test series should be 5 matches!!!

Jaggerr
on November 26, 2012, 7:51 GMT

@Marcio. Faf deserves MOM. What was required of Faf was not to take risks and to avoid defeat, which he did superbly- especially for a debutant. The Australians were able to take those risks and where able to be more agressive since they batted first and were setting up the total (plus Tahir's bowling allowed them to belt us). Faf had to bat accordingly to the situation in front of him, he did a perfect job - MOM. You got to remember this is TEST CRICKET not 20/20, if you looking big slogs watch the IPL. In test cricket us purest appreciate the "boring" cricket where not many runs come along, as you will appreciate more than just slogging and more the intricacies of the game. Awesome game!

popcorn
on November 26, 2012, 7:51 GMT

In BOTH Tests,South Africa STUGGLED to save the Tests. No way I will rate them as the Number One Test Nation. Australia has inflicted psychological blows iin BOTH Tests - and in MY BOOK, Australia won this Test. And is Number One.

on November 26, 2012, 7:50 GMT

@ Marcio Being 43/4, do you think SA should have gone for the win? Do you know anything about test cricket? A rear guard action to save a test match epitomises test cricket as much as scoring at 4 an over on day one to put pressure on the opposition. These are the nuances that make test cricket interesting.

Freerider1
on November 26, 2012, 7:50 GMT

Well done boys. We were outplayed and yet we didn't lose. I can see what it's doing to the Aussies if we go by Marcio's comments.

Now for the killer blow, a victory in Perth.

philvic
on November 26, 2012, 7:49 GMT

SA have been way more positive then Autralia in this series. Smith has been attacking with his bowlking and field placing which is why Australia have been able to score freely. Clarke on the other hand ha been extremely defensive in his fieldplacing, even when in positions of dominance. Probably because he knows he has a substandard bowling lineup.

on November 26, 2012, 7:47 GMT

you can't blame rsa not going for the win. at 44/4 they would've been bowled out. it was the correct approach and as it stands they can still win the series. australia still lack a killer instinct. david lyons is a decent offspinner but not a match winner. dale steyn need to start firing if sa wants to bowl out aus cheaply in perth.

A_Yorkshire_Lad
on November 26, 2012, 7:45 GMT

Great result for ZA , a fine rear-guard action. Frustration for Oz - bad luck , lads ! Well , I can't think of any other cricket news this morning...

edgie
on November 26, 2012, 7:44 GMT

@Marcio, by the way, The aussies didn't win either test, so your take of risk vs reward is obviously not working well enough for them because the Saffers are good enough to counter them. And if you going to say they almost won the second one, they didn't, and the score is still 0-0, with BOTH teams having an oppertunity to win the series. I aggree with the Saffer's apporach, i would rather sacrifice the victory so that I can go into the final test 0-0, and not 1-0 down and NO chance of winning the series.

goutamaniad
on November 26, 2012, 7:44 GMT

Good comments thus far...

And no offence meant for my large-hearted Aussie friends; yet I must say that as is typical of those Awzzie pig-headed hi-n-might-proclaiming fans hitherto crowing about the egg of victory that the 11 cricketing lads of Oz, and sometimes ten, couldn't hatch despite all their urgings..., all they can retort with is that all-epitomizing ranting 'n' raving of theirs which they in delusional exuberance are misled to believe is akin to superiority in rationalizing.

Haven't they in their pretense of the hoity toity act remembered that it is in these parts that "it ain't over till the fat lady sings" is ubiquitously heard?

Fareen
on November 26, 2012, 7:44 GMT

It's funny how jealous @Marcio is because of South Africa. They only wanted a draw because it was a big target and Jacques Kallis was injured. Still he came out and scored runs. De Villiers too stayed there as long as possible. And Du plessis was solid as a rock. I do feel for Siddle, he bowled his heard out, but the batsmen win this time.

dinosaurus
on November 26, 2012, 7:44 GMT

@Marcio,

I agree with you that the Aussies have made all the running. Remember though that we have to win the series. A shared series and the rankings aren't affected. A great performance by Faf, but I also think Clarke or Warner should have been MOM. Both showed incredible fight from a seemingly hopeless position.

Amol_Gh
on November 26, 2012, 7:43 GMT

Bringing Tahir in the side really hurt SA. He almost cost SA the match. time for him...and perhaps... Rudolph...to go! Enough is Enough.

OceanSaffa
on November 26, 2012, 7:43 GMT

We were outplayed the whole match, but stil did not loose, goes to show how gud this side is. Now for the decider - Clarke wont always be there to do the scoring on flat pitches. Hope for gud test match at Perth. Go S.A.

JustOUT
on November 26, 2012, 7:42 GMT

Its proved and proven again. If Smith scores a century in a series,either SA will win or draw the series. which means SA will be NO.1 afte the series. What a record from a captain innings.

on November 26, 2012, 7:42 GMT

@Marcio test cricket isnt about who is the most aggressive, and the man of the match doesnt go to that person, it goes to the individual who had the BIGGEST impag on the match, Faf had the biggest impact of the match, with out his innings its a defeat for south africa, take away clarkes, husseys or warners innings and australia would still have been in the better position, hopefully the south african bowling attack can take heart from that second innings, probably the best they have bowled this tour, but still WELL below what was seen in england, australia have been playing out of their skins, south africa have been uncharicteristicaly dour, hopefully this last 2 days will give us the confidence and also the physcological advantage heading in to perth. if you bet on a draw yesterday with RSA 4/45 then hats off but no one would of predicted that, then or even this morning.

Seether1
on November 26, 2012, 7:42 GMT

@Marcio: You seem to become stupider with each comment you make here on Cricinfo. Preventing your team from losing is not difficult? It is more difficult that scoring a quickfire double century! This was a epic rearguard action led by Faf with assistance from de Villiers and Kallis. The fact that both Faf and AB are naturally attacking players made the task even more difficult. Please get some perspective. Your ridiculous comments make it seem like there is a conspiracy against AUS. It was funny at first, now its just sad.

on November 26, 2012, 7:42 GMT

Hats off to Faf, that is the best defensive innings i've seen from a foreigner on Aussie soil. For the Aussies, well as ever they are still searching for a little firepower in the bowling department. Losing Patto was obviously a blow but you'd hope the other blokes couldn't have covered that on a 5th day Adelaide wicket. Lion hearted effort though. Perth is set to boil over!

MarcusAurelius
on November 26, 2012, 7:41 GMT

@Marcio - don't be ridiculous. Your analysis lacks any real perspective and objectivity about the conditions. Adelaide was a toss to win and bat and Aus duly notched up the runs. Some batters in great form on home pitches and big home support. Tahir was woeful but at least he got his turn. Then you have a positive response from SA but Aus still clearly in control. They should have won it with ease from 77/4 and Kallis coming in only late. First test was acknowledged by both sides to be a fair draw in the circumstances. I agree Aus have had the better of most sessions in this series so far but in the sessions that really mattered, SA have had the edge. That's what counts in test cricket and we go into Perth with everything to play for.

on November 26, 2012, 7:41 GMT

Saving the match from Defeat is equally thrilling. Some guys are expecting Faf to play the shots and to get out cheaply for a win to Oz. Well done FAF for a wonderful debut.

on November 26, 2012, 7:39 GMT

@Marcio, you cannot be serious! faf batted for 8 hours straight and saved a game for his team. Saffas fought back very well after the first day. Just remember that the 480+ Oz put up on first day was partly due to Kallis injured and Steyn leaving the field. And yes, taking nothing away from the excellent way that Clarke and Hussey batted. Surely you would have looked at this differently if it was one of these two having to bat out 4 sessions to save a test against SA? perth is going to be fun to watch. Steyn will come good and I really hope Philander is ok too. Morkel might be unplayable at times in Perth... Hope Oz don't kill the game with yet another dead pitch prepared!

xsSandy
on November 26, 2012, 7:38 GMT

Wow, What an amazing day in the history of test cricket. Some unbelievable moments have been seen by all in Australia, SA, India and England. Can you believe it, What Plessis and AB did. Can you believe in the bowling figures of Lyon. Clarke's double ton a pleasure to watch. But in the end nail biting test match ended in a draw. Perth will be a decider.
On the other hand, England achieved impossible. Some of great men already saying it the biggest win of England outside England in history of test cricket. Dhoni asks for a super turner to play to India's strength and see England beats India to their strength. Inspiring batting by Kevin and Cook where biggies of Indian cricket could not understand the turn of Panesar and Swan. I rarely saw these kind of test matches.

India needs to learn a lot from best in test cricket. There is so much to get inspiration from. Pity we are moving to less of test and more of T20 and one days. Test cricket is the only pleasure to watch.

edgie
on November 26, 2012, 7:38 GMT

@Marcio, the Aussies didn't win it because they could not take 20 wickets! If they were that gfood, they would have won it by lunch. And to score not only a century on debut, but in a hostile environment like Australia,, and to score it while saving the test in the 2nd innings on a pitch that was breaking up, is perfect MOM material. You should stop thinking of tests as T20's... u obviously don't understand the difference between the two games...

LazloWoodbine
on November 26, 2012, 7:37 GMT

@Marcio... For all the super-human efforts of the Aussies (a quality given them by you), they couldn't bowl us out. This with an injured Kallis and 4 wickets down overnight. I'd say that, if I was to adopt your parochial approach for a moment and throw rationality to the wind, while they may have been more excited than a sack full of puppies, the Australians just weren't up to it mentally or talent-wise. Absolute nonsense, of course, because it was a thrillingTest match and one which BOTH sides can view with pride. They both had to cope with injuries, and yet it was hard-fought. I like this Australian team under Clarke, and they are certainly a force for the future, but this SA side taught them a lesson in mental toughness in both Tests. Now that's a rarity, to be sure, but I'm really pleased to see it from Smith's boys.

dinosaurus
on November 26, 2012, 7:37 GMT

@MinusZero,

I think you've got leg stump and off stump mixed up. Shane Warne turned the ball from leg to off, so when he pitched the ball outisde of the off stump it would only have threatened the stump if it had been a "wrong'un", one that went the other way. But Warne didn't use that weapon much.

Because of the limitations of the human body it is difficult to operate on the leg side of the batsman's body. Hence the lbw law you refer to and also the fielding restrictions on the leg side.

on November 26, 2012, 7:36 GMT

south africa been well below par this series and australia playing out of their skins, hopefully after this fight back we will wake up, the fast bowlers will fire up on what should be a bowler friendly pitch, and the batsmen follow the example set by the debutant faf de plessis.

on November 26, 2012, 7:36 GMT

Well played du Plessis,batted all day for a fantastic end to the game.I guess Australia will be saying what if but it proves again catches win matches,they must be held.Peter Siddle I think is superman,he just bowled and bowled with the last over still at the same pace as the first.I bet he butters up again for the Perth test,but I hope he gets more support from other bowlers.His match fitness makes a mockery of the rest policy,think back to the greats like DK Lillee who got to the pain barrier and then crashed through it because of the training they'd done.Well bowled to Nathan Lyon as well,coupla marathon spells.Australia can hold their heads after this one for giving the world No 1 team a fright

KunzMan
on November 26, 2012, 7:32 GMT

@Marcio Mate some seriously sour grapes spilling boy. Learn to give credit where its due. Pup did play out of his skins but as a neutral I have to say that our Aussies' innings and SA's last was the classic example of why Test cricket is all here to stay, in two completely contrasting styles. Maybe they should have shared the honours amongst the two but debating about it is not going to help.

Blakey
on November 26, 2012, 7:31 GMT

Aus team for Perth. Assuming Peter Siddle will be unavailable due to broken heart.
Cowan, Warner, Hughes/Watson, Ponting (cya mate), Clarke, Hussey, Wade, Johnson, Starc, Bird/Hazelwood, Lyon.
Hilfenhaus needs to get some wickets, hasn't produced when needed. A new set of bowlers will be fresh and fit and may just give us the edge.
Johnson in for Siddle only if not fit. The variation of 2 lefties may help.

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 26, 2012, 7:30 GMT

@Marcio

Try not to be so negative and bitter. You need to give credit to SA for a tremdous fight back and defense. After SA lost 4 wickets for 45 runs how could you expect them to be attacking (did you ever play cricket?) They also lost the toss which i think is huge, it was a great game and good advent for test cricket - it went down to the wire.

heathrf1974
on November 26, 2012, 7:30 GMT

Well done SA gutsy performance. It will be interesting to see if Starc and Johnson play for the Aussies in three days time.

on November 26, 2012, 7:29 GMT

I am really disappointed at SA for the way they shut up shop. A run rate of 3, even high 2.8/9 would have gotten them a win. I won't detract from the great innings played by the batsmen but in the awesome form of Faf and the brillance of de Villers paired with an injured but dangerous Kallis, they really should have made a game of it. Shows their weak mentality.

The next match will be interesting. Lyon will be dropped and Siddle might not be completely fit. Would love to see a Starc/Johnson combination with Siddle and Hilf with Quiney/Warner/Clarke as part timers. I doubt Philander will be fit as Kallis won't play so the SA attack might be stretched.

shiven.
on November 26, 2012, 7:29 GMT

@ marcio: you dnt seem to understand test cricket its called "test" cricket becuase the ultimate format u jst cant attack like limited overs or t20 ud . you have to show character poise and determination not throw ur wicket away So clarke hussey warner belted runs does that make ther innings better than faf's innings ??? I beg to differ his innings showed wat test cricket is about and wat its stands for fight grit and determination test cricket is the ultimate format its not ment to always be pretty .

on November 26, 2012, 7:28 GMT

The difference between Australia and South Africa: If Australia batted for 148 overs like South Africa did, they would have won it, as the required run rate would be below 3 runs an over, nothing out of the ordinary for a test. Still,it was amazing concentration by South Africa to stonewall for so long, and Australia will be bitterly disappointed with this draw. They definitely have been the much more positive side, and as a captain, Clarke is much more imaginative, creative and aggressive than Smith.

McCricket_
on November 26, 2012, 7:26 GMT

@Marcio. I can't agree that du Plessis shouldn't be Man of the Match. Only one man determined the outcome of the match, despite Clarke's, Hussey's, Siddle's and Warner's efforts to conjure a different result. He saved the un-saveable match, and could yet help the Saffers win the series. If he didn't bat that incredible innings, it would be impossible for SA to win the series. As much as I wanted him to get out, he is still a deserved Man of the Match. One of the great defensive innings . . .

Marktc
on November 26, 2012, 7:26 GMT

Seriously....After hanging out for so long against a quality Oz attack, SA should get credit for hanging on for a draw. Give Faf Credit as well...he was not supposed to play aggressive cricket and throw his wicket away and he shoul dbe applauded for hanging on so long. The Oz team batted brilliantly in their first knock but just as many are doing, give SA their credit as well. Like Oz, SA have a fighting spirit and the final test is set up to be an epic one...a winner takes all...or another hard fought draw..either way, the worlds two best teams are giving us wonderful entertainment.

on November 26, 2012, 7:26 GMT

Marcio, since when has cricket been about high run rates (which is essentially what you're lauding)? SA have played poorly and are going in to the 3rd Test with the series drawn at 0-0. Mission accomplished so far. Why should they roll over because you aren't being entertained? Faf's 100 in the 4th innings was just as, if not more, important than Warner's Hussey's or Clarke's.

on November 26, 2012, 7:25 GMT

What a brilliant innings from Faf du Plessis. This man will live in the folklore of South African cricket history for his heroic debut in the white uniform. What a way to announce yourself on to this stage, young man. Go home, rest and put your legs knowing you have been a superhero for your country. And mad respect to Jacques Kallis. The man is pure class; in both innings, he batted with a torn hamstring and worked his socks off to contribute to the team cause. A lesser man in his situation would have given up. He always lived in the shadow of Lara, Ponting, and Tendulkar, but now it's about time he gets the same respect the other three deserve. One of them has already retired, while the other two are way past their prime and just collecting pensions.

dalboy12
on November 26, 2012, 7:24 GMT

Well I thought this test was gone for SA, but i was wrong and happy to say so --- great effort SA. Sure Aussie was on top the whole game, but no killer blow. Showed why test cricket is so great --- you never know what is going to happen. SA hold on in Aussie, England win in the sub-continent and for a Kiwi like me the most amazing thing, two Kiwi batsman scored hundreds. What a game.

on November 26, 2012, 7:22 GMT

F du Plessis is the ultimate MOM award winner he is so defensive , good stroker of the ball , need people like him who nearly kept defeat at bay for SA . wonderful machine he is ...Aus played beautiful its one of the thrilled test match ever in recent times ..
thanks to both team , keep playing good cricket like this .. awaiting for the next test with big hope ...

PFEL
on November 26, 2012, 7:22 GMT

@Minus Zero, the rule is pitching outside Leg-stump, and it's in place to ward off negative bowling and also because it would be a bit tough on a batsman to have to protect an lbw from that angle.
As for the eveness of these 2 teams, I think Australia's complete and utter domination has put that out to the cleaners, but it would be such bitter irony if SA take the perth test after being so comprehensively pwned in the first 2 tests for 2 lucky draws. I wouldn't be surprised by a SA victory, as Aus bowlers are going to be deflated and exhausted. If it were up to me i would bring in at least 2 fresh quicks + Watson for perth.

shiven.
on November 26, 2012, 7:22 GMT

wow wat a match was intriguing stuff way to go south africa it just goes to show the character and mental toughness they posses and they deserve to be the number 1 team . haters always gna hate ......

Starboomber
on November 26, 2012, 7:21 GMT

At least the 3-0 and 2-0 predictions were proved to be wishful thinking by some here...

LordKratos
on November 26, 2012, 7:21 GMT

I knew there was no way the Proteas would loose this with Smith having scored a ton. Its never happened before and it sure as hell wasn't going to happen in Australia

SurlyCynic
on November 26, 2012, 7:20 GMT

One of the tensest things I've ever watched. Hard to explain to a non-cricket lover how engrossing a 'good' draw can be. Well done both teams.

McCricket_
on November 26, 2012, 7:20 GMT

Shall we call him Rock du Plessis? What. An. Effort. I was praying for him to get out for 376 balls, but he lasted like a champion, and we should recognise a champion effort. Well done, Faf. But luck Sids.

on November 26, 2012, 7:19 GMT

south africans have shown why they stand at the position they are at.....its about ability skills and character and FAF DU PLESS have shown all 3 while playing an amazing knock for more than 350 minutes.....great going SA

on November 26, 2012, 7:18 GMT

I dont think marcio quite understands cricket.What a great effort by du plessis!
Just shows what a great game cricket is.A draw in any other game is unsatisfying, in cricket it is fantastic.

Sadip
on November 26, 2012, 7:17 GMT

This was the best chance for Australia to win the game but they didn't and lost the opportunity to go upfront in the series and be 1st position in Test ranking...They even couldn't take 6 wickets in a day despite mounting level of pressure in South Africa...some amount of credit should also go to South Africa to hod the match for draw....!!

on November 26, 2012, 7:15 GMT

Many a soul who etch a century on debut, many a soul who etch a 5-for on debut but then they are still "Many a soul"

Then there comes a soul who thrive not to win nor to cement his place but instead defy the sheer logic of temptation and low morale and thaw a formidable opponent in their own backyard.

That my fellow Willow and Cork Lover is the sheer persistance being honoured in the Whites of 5 days!!

Faf du Plessis . WE SALUTE YOU. INSANELY IMPOSSIBLE & TRULY GUTSY!!

whofriggincares
on November 26, 2012, 7:14 GMT

@disco bob, brilliant summation. You are a passionate supporter in love with the game as am I. Yes this game was a draw but was it a boring draw? Anyone that thinks it was boring is a moron, and there will be plenty of comments to prove my point. This test had everything both ends of the batting art, twists turns and an absolutely brilliant innings by a man on debut. I have utmost admiration for Faf and of course for one of the best ever Kallis. Gut busting body wrecking efforts from a man that I love in P.Siddle. He is the sort of bowler that a captain loves to have in his side ,never gives up.It is a corny old cliche but surely we all agree that this game did in fact have a winner, the beautiful game of test cricket was utterly triumphant!

TommytuckerSaffa
on November 26, 2012, 7:14 GMT

Thats why SA are No.1 folks - just in case you are wondering.

Absolute Epic innings from Faf who surely has just cemented his spot in the Test team. And SA really do have a momentum shift going into the final test as this draw is bascially like a win, Aussie bowlers are out on their feet having bowled for the last 2 days going into Perth which starts in 4 days !!! Said it before and will say it again, dont rate Lyon, never will, how can you not bowl out a team on day 4 and 5 on a turning pitch or at least make more impact. Playing Wade instead of Haddin cost Oz big time - Wade dropped Smith on 42 and went on to get a Ton and dropped Faff on 96......

Clarke 230, Warner 118, Hussey 103. Still not good enough to beat the No.1 Test team in the world !

stormer1980
on November 26, 2012, 7:13 GMT

Once again .. I'ma Saffa fan .. and as a bowler for my club ... Hats off to Peter Siddle ... Good Grief .. Wat a team player .. Good on you mate

Faf you beaut .... that will be phsycological for Aussies .. They couldnt put us away even at there best ... Gonna be a good Third test

Perdes
on November 26, 2012, 7:13 GMT

What an innings ! Du Plessis and Kallis fought hard to save this game, but it was unfortunate that Kallis couldn't take it to the end. Congratulations to Du Plessis and his fans. He is a great player of all three formats of this game! Australia also played excellent cricket, but I think they were facing two walls in front of the wickets ;)

Chris_P
on November 26, 2012, 7:13 GMT

Great fighting effort from the Boks. Now this is what test cricket is about. Let's see if the teams can bounce back in 3 days time.

Trapper439
on November 26, 2012, 7:13 GMT

Absolutely gutted that Australia couldn't finish them off, but hats off to the Saffers for their pure guts and determination, and what a fantastic Test match. I'll remember that innings by du Plessis for a very, very long time.

Long live Test cricket.

mikey76
on November 26, 2012, 7:12 GMT

Bad luck Aussies, need to find a decent spinner who can bowl sides out on fifth day pitches. England have two. While we're smashing India in their own back yard you guys are slugging out draws on insipid pitches. The battle for No.1 has taken an interesting twist. After this great escape, I reckon SA will pull off a win in Perth. Australia has shot it's bolt.

Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on November 26, 2012, 7:10 GMT

I think the flat track contributed to this high scoring draw. Well played Faf, Siddle and Kallis. Take a bow to these three heores. My MoM is Faf for changing the result of this match with his epic 376 ball unbeaten inning.

Aussasinator
on November 26, 2012, 7:09 GMT

A tremendous display of character from the SAF batting, especially Du Plessis and the great Kallis. This should blunt the Aussies a great deal before the next test but it is the SAFs who need more thinking as far as positive winning attitude is concerned. The bowling needs to be fast, aggressive and swinging.

Marcio
on November 26, 2012, 7:00 GMT

@dhakalsindhu, you cannot be serious. Faf did nothing but stop taking risks after the game was set up by the aggrssion, risk-taking and courage of the Australian batsmen. Why wouldd you give the MOM to someone who simply stoped his team from losing? Give the award to those who stepped up to the plate and tried to at least win the game.

Marcio
on November 26, 2012, 6:56 GMT

@Taimur Huk, do you mean if they'd' just scored at one run an over and taken no risks? The same result. There is only one team which showed any intent to to win this game, the other was trying not to lose from ball one, day one. In fact that has been the case since the first day at the Gabba. Amazing the difference in the approach of batsmen on these team, and the captains. Here's hoping that courage and innovation and willingness to take risks are eventually awarded in this series. So far the rewards have gone to the (mostly) timid.

dhakalsindhu
on November 26, 2012, 5:59 GMT

Faf will be my man of the match if he takes SA till home to draw this match. What a display of character for a debutant.

disco_bob
on November 26, 2012, 5:29 GMT

What I love about cricket, is that it seems to tune in to the very essence of life. McGrath twisting his ankle changed the course of cricket history. Warne out on 99 on his last chance for a ton. Bradman's average. Love and Waugh. The magic is always unexpected and the expected magic remains teasingly out of reach.

Thus with all the symmetry of SA and Aus, injuries, history, nothing was as expected. Therefore I correctly predicted that this match was destined to be a draw with continuous twists. Not a draw because of the pitch, but a draw in spite of the pitch due to the evenly poised nature of these two teams.

The first two matches were the sussing each other out for the grand finale title fight in Perth, and anything can happen. Yesterday my vision seemed doomed. But lo and behold, if SA draw it will be every bit as remarkable as Australia's domination. A perfect complement. Not on person expected SA to draw today. For me cricket is a psychic phenomenon, and that's how I see it.

on November 26, 2012, 3:29 GMT

Some really awesome batting from the two South African batsmen. Real hard concentration and mental toughness. Test match batting at its best. Sometimes crease occupation can be as interesting to watch as stroke-making. If the top order of SA had batted like this, then perhaps South Africa wouldn't be in such a predicament. Not to mention the train-wreck which was Imran Tahir's bowling.

MinusZero
on November 26, 2012, 2:44 GMT

I dont understand the pitching outside off stump rule. I saw Shane Warne on many occasions get an amazing amount of turn, pitching way outside off and get the wicket. Why does it matter? If its going to hit, its going to hit, right?

larry_david
on November 26, 2012, 2:44 GMT

Stick in there boy's, if oz are gonna win make'em work for it. Happy to see DRS in action. Just wondering how successful the aussie team of the warne/mcgrath era would have been under DRS.

Meety
on November 26, 2012, 2:33 GMT

Great stuff from the Saffas. At Lunch, the most likely result is a draw. With no chance of a Saffa win now. If Oz get 2 wickets prior to Tea, they're a big chance. Very impressed with the over rate - 35 overs in the session. Increase the rate a little bit more & they COULD have the 3rd new ball available just prior to Stumps.

No featured comments at the moment.

Meety
on November 26, 2012, 2:33 GMT

Great stuff from the Saffas. At Lunch, the most likely result is a draw. With no chance of a Saffa win now. If Oz get 2 wickets prior to Tea, they're a big chance. Very impressed with the over rate - 35 overs in the session. Increase the rate a little bit more & they COULD have the 3rd new ball available just prior to Stumps.

larry_david
on November 26, 2012, 2:44 GMT

Stick in there boy's, if oz are gonna win make'em work for it. Happy to see DRS in action. Just wondering how successful the aussie team of the warne/mcgrath era would have been under DRS.

MinusZero
on November 26, 2012, 2:44 GMT

I dont understand the pitching outside off stump rule. I saw Shane Warne on many occasions get an amazing amount of turn, pitching way outside off and get the wicket. Why does it matter? If its going to hit, its going to hit, right?

on November 26, 2012, 3:29 GMT

Some really awesome batting from the two South African batsmen. Real hard concentration and mental toughness. Test match batting at its best. Sometimes crease occupation can be as interesting to watch as stroke-making. If the top order of SA had batted like this, then perhaps South Africa wouldn't be in such a predicament. Not to mention the train-wreck which was Imran Tahir's bowling.

disco_bob
on November 26, 2012, 5:29 GMT

What I love about cricket, is that it seems to tune in to the very essence of life. McGrath twisting his ankle changed the course of cricket history. Warne out on 99 on his last chance for a ton. Bradman's average. Love and Waugh. The magic is always unexpected and the expected magic remains teasingly out of reach.

Thus with all the symmetry of SA and Aus, injuries, history, nothing was as expected. Therefore I correctly predicted that this match was destined to be a draw with continuous twists. Not a draw because of the pitch, but a draw in spite of the pitch due to the evenly poised nature of these two teams.

The first two matches were the sussing each other out for the grand finale title fight in Perth, and anything can happen. Yesterday my vision seemed doomed. But lo and behold, if SA draw it will be every bit as remarkable as Australia's domination. A perfect complement. Not on person expected SA to draw today. For me cricket is a psychic phenomenon, and that's how I see it.

dhakalsindhu
on November 26, 2012, 5:59 GMT

Faf will be my man of the match if he takes SA till home to draw this match. What a display of character for a debutant.

Marcio
on November 26, 2012, 6:56 GMT

@Taimur Huk, do you mean if they'd' just scored at one run an over and taken no risks? The same result. There is only one team which showed any intent to to win this game, the other was trying not to lose from ball one, day one. In fact that has been the case since the first day at the Gabba. Amazing the difference in the approach of batsmen on these team, and the captains. Here's hoping that courage and innovation and willingness to take risks are eventually awarded in this series. So far the rewards have gone to the (mostly) timid.

Marcio
on November 26, 2012, 7:00 GMT

@dhakalsindhu, you cannot be serious. Faf did nothing but stop taking risks after the game was set up by the aggrssion, risk-taking and courage of the Australian batsmen. Why wouldd you give the MOM to someone who simply stoped his team from losing? Give the award to those who stepped up to the plate and tried to at least win the game.

Aussasinator
on November 26, 2012, 7:09 GMT

A tremendous display of character from the SAF batting, especially Du Plessis and the great Kallis. This should blunt the Aussies a great deal before the next test but it is the SAFs who need more thinking as far as positive winning attitude is concerned. The bowling needs to be fast, aggressive and swinging.

Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on November 26, 2012, 7:10 GMT

I think the flat track contributed to this high scoring draw. Well played Faf, Siddle and Kallis. Take a bow to these three heores. My MoM is Faf for changing the result of this match with his epic 376 ball unbeaten inning.